Controversy Erupts as Thailand Claims Uyghurs Chose Deportation

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Prachatai

 

The Thai government faces mounting criticism after asserting that 40 Uyghur individuals detained for over a decade had voluntarily returned to China. These claims have been challenged by letters reportedly written by the detainees, seeking assistance from international bodies to prevent their deportation to China over fears for their safety.

 

Kannavee Suebsang, an MP from the Fair Party and former UN refugee agency employee, publicised two of these letters. One was directed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and another sought intervention from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, specifically asking for aid in reuniting with family in Turkey.

 

These documents, penned while the Uyghurs were detained at Bangkok's Suan Phlu immigration centre, clearly indicate their desire to settle in a third country, contrasting sharply with official Thai statements.

 

Posting the letters on social media, Mr. Kannavee aimed to counter Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai's assertion that the Uyghurs opted for a voluntary return, preferring this to continued detention in Thailand.

 

The Thai authorities' decision to send the Uyghurs, along with eight other Chinese nationals wanted for various offences, back to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on Thursday has triggered widespread international condemnation, including from the UNHCR and the United States.

The deportation has garnered significant global attention due to the sensitive nature of the Uyghurs' status and their treatment within China. Human rights organisations have long warned about potential abuses Uyghurs face upon return to China, allegations that Beijing disputes.

 

The US Embassy in Bangkok has responded by issuing a security alert, highlighting the potential for retaliatory actions following Thailand's move.

 

PM Paetongtarn, responding to the uproar, insists on the safety assurances provided by Chinese officials concerning the returnees, reiterating her commitment to human rights standards and international law.

 

She stated that during high-level talks with China, leaders assured the safe treatment of those deported, dismissing conjecture about trading human deportation for economic benefit.

 

This controversy places Thailand at the centre of a diplomatic storm, with human rights advocates and international leaders closely watching how the situation unfolds.

 

The released letters, though, stand as poignant testimony to the detainees' true wishes and underline the disparity between governmental narratives and the lived realities of those affected by such deportations, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-01

 

 

[SmartyMarty]

And we all know which side is lying, as per usual.

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The Thai government faces mounting criticism after asserting that 40 Uyghur individuals detained for over a decade had voluntarily returned to China.

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

PM Paetongtarn, responding to the uproar, insists on the safety assurances provided by Chinese officials concerning the returnees, reiterating her commitment to human rights standards and international law.

 

Now Thailand is following it's real leader, XI in consonantly telling lies when accused of wrongdoing.

[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

[blaze master]

28 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

 

Now Thailand is following it's real leader, XI in consonantly telling lies when accused of wrongdoing.

 

Lying is an acceptable part of the culture when it comes to saving face.