Thai Ministers to Assess Uyghur Treatment in China This Month

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, alongside Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, is set to embark on a mission to China’s Xinjiang region on March 18. This visit aims to evaluate the situation of 40 Uyghurs recently deported after a prolonged 11-year stay in Thai detention. This international watchdog examines both the actions undertaken and the criticism they've sparked.

 

The Thai government’s decision to deport the group on February 27 attracted significant international attention and disapproval. The government asserts their actions followed international legal protocols, challenging claims they acted to appease China despite alternative offers.

 

Phumtham highlights that no country stepped forward with a relocation plan within the past decade, although recent reports by Reuters suggest otherwise. According to the news outlet, Canada, the United States, and Australia had shown willingness to resettle the Uyghurs. However, the matter didn’t advance due to Thai authorities' concerns about diplomatic repercussions with Beijing.

 

Through his statements, Phumtham reiterated that Thailand had responsibly housed Uyghurs in conformity with international regulations. Over the years, discussions were held with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to potentially confer refugee status upon them. The government insists its hands were tied due to legal constraints which demanded either repatriation to China or relocation to an alternative willing host nation.

Initially, in 2015, of the 350 Uyghurs who sought refuge in Thailand, around 170 were permitted entry to Turkey. These consisted primarily of women, children, and the elderly. China, accepting 109 men soon after, cited verified citizen status linked to specific addresses. Whereabouts of these men remain unknown. The remainder continued under Thai custody until recent deportation action.

 

Mr Phumtham clarified that no official refugee designation by the UNHCR allowed classification as illegal immigrants, necessitating their return. Upon doing so, assurances were secured from Chinese authorities pledging humane treatment and safeguarding human rights, countering international apprehensions regarding potential risks or torture.

 

Mr Phumtham, along with Pol Col Tawee and Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, feels assured in their approach. The expectation is that commitment to Uyghur welfare will be substantiated during the forthcoming inspection, echoing a broader commitment to national integrity and international relations.

 

In conclusion, the ministers' planned visit underscores the gravity of the situation. Continued scrutiny from the international community ensures that the transparency and ethical treatment of the Uyghur people remain firmly on the global agenda, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

[Geoffggi]

The face saving comes a little too late

[JoePai]

Thai authorities' concerns about diplomatic repercussions with Beijing

 

Must not upset their Lord and Masters 😎

[watchcat]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

However, the matter didn’t advance due to Thai authorities' concerns about diplomatic repercussions with Beijing.

 

What a puppet state Thailand is, disgustng!

[Celsius]

Thailand could have saved a bit of face if they sent them back to China on royal orchid business class.

[Peterphuket]

4 hours ago, Geoffggi said:

The face saving comes a little too late

You say loss of face, it's a big charade, you'll see they have people coming up proclaiming they've never had it as good as now in China, etc., etc., etc.

[RamblingOn]

Outcome already known!!

[Tropicalevo]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, alongside Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, is set to embark on a mission to China’s Xinjiang region on March 18.

 

What is the point?

We know that the government lies.

These puppets are from the government.

Never in a million years will they say anything that disagrees with the government on this one.

A representative from the People's Party would be more independent.

[klauskunkel]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr Phumtham clarified that no official refugee designation by the UNHCR allowed classification as illegal immigrants

Dear Phumtham, for your edification:

Having an allowance to do a thing (especially thru an inaction) does not per force necessitate you to do that thing, it's still your choice to do or not to do...

[newbee2022]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, alongside Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, is set to embark on a mission to China’s Xinjiang region on March 18. This visit aims to evaluate the situation of 40 Uyghurs recently deported after a prolonged 11-year stay in Thai detention. This international watchdog examines both the actions undertaken and the criticism they've sparked.

 

The Thai government’s decision to deport the group on February 27 attracted significant international attention and disapproval. The government asserts their actions followed international legal protocols, challenging claims they acted to appease China despite alternative offers.

 

Phumtham highlights that no country stepped forward with a relocation plan within the past decade, although recent reports by Reuters suggest otherwise. According to the news outlet, Canada, the United States, and Australia had shown willingness to resettle the Uyghurs. However, the matter didn’t advance due to Thai authorities' concerns about diplomatic repercussions with Beijing.

 

Through his statements, Phumtham reiterated that Thailand had responsibly housed Uyghurs in conformity with international regulations. Over the years, discussions were held with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to potentially confer refugee status upon them. The government insists its hands were tied due to legal constraints which demanded either repatriation to China or relocation to an alternative willing host nation.

 

Initially, in 2015, of the 350 Uyghurs who sought refuge in Thailand, around 170 were permitted entry to Turkey. These consisted primarily of women, children, and the elderly. China, accepting 109 men soon after, cited verified citizen status linked to specific addresses. Whereabouts of these men remain unknown. The remainder continued under Thai custody until recent deportation action.

 

Mr Phumtham clarified that no official refugee designation by the UNHCR allowed classification as illegal immigrants, necessitating their return. Upon doing so, assurances were secured from Chinese authorities pledging humane treatment and safeguarding human rights, countering international apprehensions regarding potential risks or torture.

 

Mr Phumtham, along with Pol Col Tawee and Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, feels assured in their approach. The expectation is that commitment to Uyghur welfare will be substantiated during the forthcoming inspection, echoing a broader commitment to national integrity and international relations.

 

In conclusion, the ministers' planned visit underscores the gravity of the situation. Continued scrutiny from the international community ensures that the transparency and ethical treatment of the Uyghur people remain firmly on the global agenda, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

They should visit them every month. Better invite UN to accompany.