Thai Foreign Ministry to Address EU Concerns Over Uyghur Deportation

[webfact]

Justice Minister Thavi Sodsong. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In response to international criticism stemming from Thailand's recent deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees to China, Justice Minister Thavi Sodsong has announced that the Foreign Ministry will take charge of handling the issue. The deportation, which occurred on February 27th under the cover of night, has drawn condemnation from the European Parliament and sparked calls for action against Thailand.

 

The European Parliament has strongly condemned the deportation, urging Thailand to immediately halt further forced returns, particularly to countries where the deported individuals might face persecution or life-threatening situations. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called on the European Commission to utilise ongoing free trade agreement negotiations to press Thailand into enacting reforms, including halting such deportations.

 

The MEPs have also demanded that the Thai government adhere to international human rights standards, urging changes to the country's lese-majesty laws, the release of political prisoners, and the ratification of all core International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.

 

Minister Thavi emphasised that Thailand acted within the legal framework and highlighted the Foreign Ministry's role in clarifying the situation to the international community. However, he refrained from commenting on how these events might impact Thailand’s ongoing free trade negotiations with the European Union.

 

The deportation has not only caught the attention of European lawmakers; the United States, among other countries, had previously offered to resettle the 40 Uyghurs. These men, detained in Thailand since 2014 after fleeing perceived persecution in China’s Xinjiang region, were forcibly returned despite fears expressed by rights groups that they could face torture or abuse upon their return.

 

The U.S. State Department has voiced concerns, stating that repeated offers to resettle the refugees elsewhere, including in the United States, were declined. The incident raises broader diplomatic questions and calls into question Thailand's commitments to international human rights protocols.

 

The MEPs' response has been definitive, with a resolution passed by 482 votes in favour, demanding greater accountability from China to respect the Uyghurs' fundamental rights, ensure transparency regarding their current status, and involve the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in their monitoring.

 

Thailand faces increasing pressure from the international community to address these human rights concerns, which could have significant ramifications for its international relations and trade discussions. The Foreign Ministry's upcoming diplomatic engagement will be crucial in addressing these international demands and clarifying Thailand's stance to a concerned global audience, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-03-15

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Thailand's stance on human rights is indefensible.

It's record is well documented world wide.

How Thailand was ever allowed to sit on the UNHRC is just beyond belief.

[MikeandDow]

When this unelected goverment does nothing  I hope they are kicked off the council  this is a big loss of face now !! and now just starting !

[lordgrinz]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Minister Thavi emphasised that Thailand acted within the legal framework and highlighted the Foreign Ministry's role in clarifying the situation to the international community.

 

Yup, Thai way of doing things, double down on your stupidity, nothing to see here, move along. It's just a misunderstanding.

[hotsun]

I hope this continues to drag on and on, make them lose the most face possible

[ikke1959]

So his job is done.. he reacted and now they will continue with business as usual.. They don't care what the world think .. Thailand is the center of the universe..

[lordgrinz]

2 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

So his job is done.. he reacted and now they will continue with business as usual.. They don't care what the world think .. Thailand is the center of the universe..

 

Until they realize China is actually pulling the strings, God forbid they make the mistake of angering their Emperor.