Uyghurs Plead for Help Before Deportation: MP Reveals Letters

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Thai PBS

 

In a sombre revelation, three letters penned by Uyghur asylum seekers detained in Thailand have surfaced, pleading for international intervention to prevent their deportation to China, where they feared imprisonment or worse. These letters, posted online by MP Kanwee Suebsang, shed light on the desperate situation faced by the asylum seekers, many of whom had been held in Thailand for nearly 11 years.

 

The letters, one intended for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), another addressed to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the third written from Bangkok's Immigration Detention Centre, all convey the deep anxiety and fear for their lives should they be returned to China. In their heartfelt appeals, the Uyghurs categorically stated their unwillingness to return, countering official statements that they willingly went back to China.

 

Despite these desperate cries for help, PM Paetongtarn has reiterated that the deportations were voluntary, asserting confidence in the safety of these individuals in China. Her reassurance stems from discussions with Chinese leaders, who guaranteed the safety of those deported. The unveiling of these letters, however, has thrown these claims into question, with the public and international community expressing skepticism.

 

The second letter, dated November 15, 2024, directly addressed to PM Paetongtarn, humbly requested assistance for resettlement in a third country where the Uyghurs could establish safe, happy lives. The detainees, in their third letter dated January 10, 2025, highlighted the peril they would face upon return and announced a hunger strike in protest of the forced deportation.

These appeals are a poignant reminder of the human element in geopolitical decisions. Despite assurances from Thai leadership regarding the well-being of deportees, the international community remains vigilant. Past deportations have resulted in violence, raising concerns that history could repeat itself.

 

Amidst the controversy, PM Paetongtarn firmly denies any exchange of trade benefits with China in return for cooperation on the deportation of Uyghurs. She maintains that this issue was handled according to human rights principles and international law, asserting that no third-country resettlement offers were presented to the Thai government.

 

As the world watches closely, calls for transparency and adherence to human rights standards reverberate, with the fates of the deported Uyghurs serving as a critical test of international diplomatic and humanitarian commitments, reported Thai PBS.

 

-- 2025-03-01

 

 

[MikeandDow]

There is NO  transparency in this goverment  total lies !! She and her clan should resign, this is total embarrassment for the Thai people and the country on the world stage  shame on you Thailand

[Aussie999]

Can't be true, otherwise Thailand have been caught lying, by saying these people ASKED to be returned.... now, who do we believe... (sarcasm)

[JimHuaHin]

Lies, lies, lies, and more lies.

 

 

[hotsun]

Assisted genocide

[Olav Seglem]

Thailands international image more destroyed by this act than by 1000 news stories about thai bar gils 😞

 

[KhunLA]

Do the crime ... Do the time 

 

Oh well ... what goes around, comes around.

Hint ... Dzungar genocide

[ikke1959]

The corruption and lies in Thailand are unbelievable ... This is another proof. Human Rights are unknown here as how is it possible to detain people for so many years without even a lawyer... Thailand should be punished for this by the international community. Let the Chinese take over Thailand and make it a province like they did with Taiwan.. It should fit better for Thailand as they are already only fixed on China. Thailand will always do what China wants as the elite and most government officials have Chinese roots... Thailand never colonized and they are proud on that but being taken over by China is silenced

[proton]

Wasn't it one of these who bombed the Erawan shrine a few years ago? Trouble makers the lot of them.

[KhunLA]

10 minutes ago, proton said:

Wasn't it one of these who bombed the Erawan shrine a few years ago? Trouble makers the lot of them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Bangkok_bombing