U.S. Visa Sanctions Target Thai Officials Over Uyghur Deportation

[webfact]

Marco Rubio. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

In a recent diplomatic development, the United States has enacted visa sanctions against several Thai officials involved in the deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs to China. This move stands as a robust response to growing concerns over the Uyghurs' safety upon their return to China, where they face potential imprisonment and severe human rights abuses.

 

The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced these sanctions, which target both current and former officials in Thailand. While the identities of those affected remain undisclosed, the sanctions reflect Washington's commitment to countering China's efforts to extradite Uyghurs and other groups, often subject to harsh treatment in their homeland.

 

"We are unwavering in our efforts to prevent the forced return of Uyghurs, as they are at grave risk of torture and enforced disappearances in China," stated Rubio. The specifics of the visa restrictions were not detailed but typically involve barring entry to the U.S.

 

Thailand's embassy in Washington has yet to issue a comment on this development. Nonetheless, Thai authorities had previously justified their decision to deport the Uyghurs by asserting assurances from China that these individuals would face no harm upon their return.

 

This diplomatic incident traces back to 2014, when over 300 Uyghurs fleeing China were detained by Thai authorities. By February 2023, 48 remained in detention, facing deportation back to China despite substantial international outcry and offers of asylum from countries like Canada and the U.S.

 

The Uyghurs, an ethnically Turkic, predominantly Muslim group indigenous to China’s Xinjiang region, have long been subjected to state suppression. Western governments, including the U.S., have accused China of genocide against the Uyghurs, citing reports of systematic persecution, forced labor, and torture.

 

In response, China's embassy in Bangkok downplayed the sanctions, describing the Uyghurs as "Chinese nationals" repatriated following assurances of safety and reunification with families. The embassy shared images of the Uyghurs seemingly reunited with their families, engaging in cultural gatherings.

 

Rubio, known for his criticism of Beijing, continues to advocate against China's human rights violations. He condemned the deportations in strong terms, underscoring the historical and ongoing threats faced by Uyghurs in China.

 

While this action by the U.S. underscores its stance on human rights, the implications of these sanctions may ripple through diplomatic channels, potentially straining U.S-Thai relations and compelling other nations to reconsider their policies on similar extraditions. As international attention remains fixed on these events, the pressure mounts on Thailand to navigate the complex geopolitics entwining its principles and partnerships, reported AP News.

 

-- 2025-03-15

 

 

[hotsun]

Thailand deserves to lose as much face as possible. Dont let them play both sides any longer..

[ikke1959]

Bravo US.. show Thailand that they can't do as they like and being a part of a Human Right Agency.. If no sanctions are made everything will continue because Thailand don't change anything as they believe they are always right.. Same for the people in jail for violating section 112.. An old outdated law that is used to silence the opposition

[John Drake]

Rubio just noticed Thailand. That means others in the administration involved with tariffs and investigating companies helping China evade sanctions will take notice too.

[Artisi]

Identities not disclosed, therefore nothing will happen - just more meaningless nonsense. 

[Aussie999]

12 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Identities not disclosed, therefore nothing will happen - just more meaningless nonsense. 

give them time... it's only just been announced.

[John Drake]

12 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Identities not disclosed, therefore nothing will happen - just more meaningless nonsense. 

 

The names will leak out. And before they do, there will be speculation that will widen the scope. Things will look even worse. And there will be follow up actions, I believe. Tariffs incoming. 

[bamnutsak]

17 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Identities not disclosed

 

 

I would think that the current PM would be at the top of the list?

 

Next up would be Deputy PM  Phumtham Wechayachai, and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong.

 

And Pol Col Tawee and Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa were part of the decision per Phumtham.

 

Not sure if this affects Diplomatic status?

 

 

 

[Andycoops]

That will be a slap in the face and potentially another one to come with the Thai trade deficit and imposition of tariffs looming...

[Mavideol]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai authorities had previously justified their decision to deport the Uyghurs by asserting assurances from China that these individuals would face no harm upon their return.

if they that stupid to believe what China said, then visa sanctions are well deserved

[kimamey]

It's not often that I agree with Marco or the current US administration  but this is one of those times.  Credit where its due. 

[Jone500]

Go ahead, Thailand. If China invades, Trump will never help anyway.

 

[Jonathan Swift]

1 hour ago, John Drake said:

Rubio just noticed Thailand. That means others in the administration involved with tariffs and investigating companies helping China evade sanctions will take notice too.

No it doesn't. You're adding 2 + 2 and getting 5. The current administration is full of Trump boot licking ƒυcktards. This is just a fluke. Ultimate hypocrisy, since the US itself is involved in massive deportation of immigrants, many of whom are lawfully seeking asylum from violent South American drug cartels, and the US recently arrested and detained a fully legal green card carrying man without a warrant or any legal justification, just on allegations of his political leanings.  

[Jonathan Swift]

3 hours ago, hotsun said:

Thailand deserves to lose as much face as possible. Dont let them play both sides any longer..

Yes, this is great, except no face to lose if we don't know whose faces they are. Come on journalists, let's do what you do best - expose and name names. 

[1happykamper]

The sanctions really hit home 555...the baht is now even 1 baht stronger, to the dollar, than last week! 🤦😂😂😂

[Artisi]

Typical hypocrisy, while the lowlife oranges guy threatens and rounds up and deports hundreds of people, some that appear to have legal status. 

Of course Thailand is no better. 

[sqwakvfr]

Thailand is literally between a rock and a hard place.  China is close and DC is so far away what could they do? Actually defy what Beijing tells them to do? I think not. What actual influence does DC have now?  Cobra Gold looks like a military show and tell along with a picnic with Thai food.  Next time Beijing tells Bangkok to jump the only response I see "how high".  

[spidermike007]

There is no question that Thailand has had morally bankrupt leaders for a very long time now. Abhisit was probably the last one who had a modest level of integrity and they got rid of him, Pita has a lot of integrity and they wouldn't let him rule, even though he was democratically elected. The power base here is simply way too toxic for a man with honor, like him. 

 

Anything any nation can do to embarrass the Thai government, humiliate them, and expose them for what they are is a good thing. The deportation of these people to China was an abomination and left a huge amount of egg on the face of Thailand.

 

Shame on you little Thaksin Jr. 

[Dan747]

Karma is finally at "WERK!"

[Tubulat]

27 minutes ago, Jone500 said:

Go ahead, Thailand. If China invades, Trump will never help anyway.

 

Are you already learning Chinese...

[JumpingJim]

 

Let's hope this doesn't turn into a typical Trump tit for tat battle, or Thailand could rapidly make life difficult for US citizens living in Thailand.

[Sir Dude]

Thailand is pretty high up on the trade imbalance list with the US (number 10 or 11, I think), so can see incoming tariffs for Thailand when the US gets round to it... plus a lot of Chinese goods are starting to flow through places like Thailand and Vietnam in an attempt to dodge the tariffs.

However, Thailand can't really complain as anything imported here has huge tariffs on them already, think cars/wine/food etc. etc. (few are as protectionist as Thailand) and would simply be the Thais getting a taste of their own long-dished-out to foreign goods medicine (fairs fair)... can't have it both ways. Simple answer Thailand is to devalue the currency a bit and then your goods will still be bought tariffs or not, but that won't sit well with the uber rich here with all their little foreign business shenanigans.

[Gknrd]

24 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

No it doesn't. You're adding 2 + 2 and getting 5. The current administration is full of Trump boot licking ƒυcktards. This is just a fluke. Ultimate hypocrisy, since the US itself is involved in massive deportation of immigrants, many of whom are lawfully seeking asylum from violent South American drug cartels, and the US recently arrested and detained a fully legal green card carrying man without a warrant or any legal justification, just on allegations of his political leanings.  

Hummm, that green card holder was organizing protests , destroying property and distributing pro Hamas literature. With death to all Americans. Not to mention terrorizing other students. Good reddens!  Hopefully they will boot the rest of the group.

[Gknrd]

8 minutes ago, Sir Dude said:

Thailand is pretty high up on the trade imbalance list with the US (number 10 or 11, I think), so can see incoming tariffs for Thailand when the US gets round to it... plus a lot of Chinese goods are starting to flow through places like Thailand and Vietnam in an attempt to dodge the tariffs.

However, Thailand can't really complain as anything imported here has huge tariffs on them already, think cars/wine/food etc. etc. (few are as protectionist as Thailand) and would simply be the Thais getting a taste of their own long-dished-out to foreign goods medicine (fairs fair)... can't have it both ways. Simple answer Thailand is to devalue the currency a bit and then your goods will still be bought tariffs or not, but that won't sit well with the uber rich here with all their little foreign business shenanigans.

Kinda curious about that myself. Trump said reciprocity on Tariffs.  Well will see how that play's out for Thailand.  

[stevenl]

19 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

Hummm, that green card holder was organizing protests , destroying property and distributing pro Hamas literature. With death to all Americans. Not to mention terrorizing other students. Good reddens!  Hopefully they will boot the rest of the group.

No, he was not. That's the justification coming out from the government, facts tell us a different story.

[Hawaiian]

2 minutes ago, stevenl said:

No, he was not. That's the justification coming out from the government, facts tell us a different story.

What facts are you referring to?

[Tailwagsdog]

59 minutes ago, Jone500 said:

Go ahead, Thailand. If China invades, Trump will never help anyway.

 

...they can defend themselves with 1000 generals and a Chinese sub that just needs a diesel engine ...

[wwest5829]

3 hours ago, John Drake said:

Rubio just noticed Thailand. That means others in the administration involved with tariffs and investigating companies helping China evade sanctions will take notice too.

He may have to explain Thailand is not Taiwan …

[NanLaew]

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Bravo US.. show Thailand that they can't do as they like and being a part of a Human Right Agency.. If no sanctions are made everything will continue because Thailand don't change anything as they believe they are always right.. Same for the people in jail for violating section 112.. An old outdated law that is used to silence the opposition

[NanLaew]

I thought the new US administration was pursuing a more isolationist stance and all about withdrawal from global affairs and influence and focusing on making themselves better in a quaint, old-fashioned way.