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

[John Drake]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

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. 

 

Human rights with Thai characteristics. 

[anchadian]

US-based Freedom House downgraded the level of freedom in #Thailand from partially free to "not free" in its latest report. The dissolution of Move Forward Party & the deportation of 40 #Uyghurs were among reasons cited. It now joins #China & North Korea.

 

https://x.com/KhaosodEnglish/status/1900822305900818668

 

 

 

[Yagoda]

2 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

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.  

Asylum from general violence isnt recognized and applications arent made by crossing the border outside a port of entry. Any person who enters outside of a port of entry has entered illegally and is thus subject to summary deportation.

 

 

The terrorist supporter was lawfully arrested and subject to deportation. You are clearly unfamiliar with the law.

 

.

[anchadian]

Response to the recent policy announcement by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March 2025

 

1. The Thai Government notes the policy announced by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March 2025 and in this regard, the Thai Government has received assurances from the Government of China concerning the safety of the Uyghurs and will continue to follow up on the well-being of this group. The Thai Government has also clarified this matter with countries that have concerns on many occasions. Thailand has always upheld a long tradition of humanitarianism, particularly in providing assistance to displaced persons from various countries for more than half a century and will continue to do so.

 

2. Thailand has always and will continue to value the long-standing and close treaty alliance with the United States, based on mutual respect and shared strategic interests both at the bilateral and regional levels.

 

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/response-to-us-announcement-2

[John Drake]

15 minutes ago, anchadian said:

Response to the recent policy announcement by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March 2025

 

1. The Thai Government notes the policy announced by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March 2025 and in this regard, the Thai Government has received assurances from the Government of China concerning the safety of the Uyghurs and will continue to follow up on the well-being of this group. The Thai Government has also clarified this matter with countries that have concerns on many occasions. Thailand has always upheld a long tradition of humanitarianism, particularly in providing assistance to displaced persons from various countries for more than half a century and will continue to do so.

 

2. Thailand has always and will continue to value the long-standing and close treaty alliance with the United States, based on mutual respect and shared strategic interests both at the bilateral and regional levels.

 

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/response-to-us-announcement-2

 

I wonder if they think, "well, that takes care of that, now about those American companies and their data centers  . . . ."

[MikeandDow]

Quote :Thailand has always upheld a long tradition of humanitarianism, particularly in providing assistance to displaced persons from various countries for more than half a century and will continue to do so.

Total BS PR spin  why did thailand keep them for 11yrs  is that a long tradition of humanitarianism

[Artisi]

3 hours ago, Tailwagsdog said:

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

And a few planes for the aircraft carrier. 

[AustinRacing]

3 hours ago, Tailwagsdog said:

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

Don’t forget countless bar girls to distract the enemy allowing the sub to destroy the pacific fleet. Of course subject to installation of the engine. 

[Gknrd]

The one thing that may happen, and I hope not. The US will impost tariffs on Thailand. The Thai government will start a scathing attack on the US because if it.  All visas will be canceled. Including retirement visas, tourist visas, All. If not then the anti US sentiment will force retiree's and tourists to leave Thailand as the public outrage will force them out. 

 

It would not take much to whip the Thai citizens into an anti US frenzy. The last time I was there it was heading that way pretty fast anyway.

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

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.

I wonder if Paetongtarn is on the list... that could be awkward.

[hotchilli]

18 hours ago, hotsun said:

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

Are they still in the UNHCR

[Purdey]

Perhaps Rubio could next look at a certain country that keeps people in an offshore prison where they have not been charged, have no Constitutional rights; no right to trial, no right to a lawyer.

Then talk about human rights.

[JimHuaHin]

18 hours ago, Jone500 said:

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

 

"If China invades  ..."?  It seems that China has already invaded!!!   Chinese tourists (but really so many Chinese criminals - check the Thai daily press reports), cheap Chinese produce, so many Chinese businesses (as well as China-controlled Chinese-Thai businesses), and soon a high-speed train to move the PLA into Thailand, as well as Chinese military bases in Cambodia and Myanmar.

[Sydebolle]

While the US will not miss a beat in hammering on China, for once it is in line with what the rest of the world feels. 

Regretfully it might be very difficult to implement, as Thailand has been more than "generous" by issuing passports; see Dr T and the Red Bull boy running around for 10+ years with a Thai passport, despite its validity expires after latest 10 years. 

In another incident it might be noteworthy, that Miss Universe 1988, a Thai citizen, was issued a red diplomatic passport and that puts the entire subject into a different lime light. Is it possible to ban/restrict holders of Thai diplomatic passports or is it nothing but rattling the cage? 

[jayboy]

On 3/15/2025 at 1:56 PM, spidermike007 said:

Abhisit was probably the last one who had a modest level of integrity

 

55555555

[LeRoux]

On 3/15/2025 at 5:54 AM, 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.

I say  (in partial sarcasm), as you note that they have noticed Thailand, I have to wonder if he opened up Google Maps to find Thailand before he Proceeded to Write Sanctions.

Many American Politicians, when taking a new role in International Politics, should take the first step of installing a Globe/Map of the World in their office.

[ronnie50]

On 3/15/2025 at 12:46 PM, Aussie999 said:

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

If anyone can be bothered to go through this list of blocked foreign businesses and persons by the US, they might find out - but a Thailand search comes up 900 times in the 3,000 pages (mostly shell businesses in Thailand for Chinese, Burmese and Middle East companies). I searcched for the Thai PM and FM (Maris) but neither name came up. The list is always updated (as of 13 March 2025).

 

https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/sdnlist.pdf 

[Middle Aged Grouch]

Considering the fuss Thai immigration makes on visa issues and the red tape even for retirees owning property in Thailand, it's only fair for western nations to retaliate at the slightest excuse.

[billd766]

On 3/15/2025 at 4:31 PM, anchadian said:

US-based Freedom House downgraded the level of freedom in #Thailand from partially free to "not free" in its latest report. The dissolution of Move Forward Party & the deportation of 40 #Uyghurs were among reasons cited. It now joins #China & North Korea.

 

https://x.com/KhaosodEnglish/status/1900822305900818668

 

 

 

It would be interesting if the US-based Freedom House did a survey and a poll on the USA now, especially if the pollsters  were non white and women or of Hispanic origin.

 

I suspect that the USA would get a lower rating than Thailand.

[Gknrd]

1 hour ago, billd766 said:

It would be interesting if the US-based Freedom House did a survey and a poll on the USA now, especially if the pollsters  were non white and women or of Hispanic origin.

 

I suspect that the USA would get a lower rating than Thailand.

Ahhh, you mean all the people that turned from Democrat to Republicans to vote trump in. 

I had to chuckle.

[lordgrinz]

14 hours ago, Purdey said:

Perhaps Rubio could next look at a certain country that keeps people in an offshore prison where they have not been charged, have no Constitutional rights; no right to trial, no right to a lawyer.

Then talk about human rights.

 

You mean Nauru and Manus islands?

[tomazbodner]

On 3/15/2025 at 10:30 AM, hotsun said:

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

You're forcing Thailand to take side? They'll take China side.

Why are you staying in country you hate?

[Rob Browder]

Maybe the history of sending Uyghurs through Thailand, then Turkey, then on to get "battlefield experience" in Libya and Syria as Wahabbi "freedom fighters" (sic) - should be factored-in?  

 

Whether these particular individuals were part of that scheme, I do not know.  But I can see why Thailand did not want to get in the middle of that.  Also, why a neocon  like Rubio - up to his neck in these sort of operations - would be upset about the decision.  

 

Give me a freaking break the USA-government gives a hoot about anyone's "civil rights."  See what is happening to ethnic-minorities in Syria, right now, as but one example.

[Rob Browder]

8 hours ago, billd766 said:

It would be interesting if the US-based Freedom House did a survey and a poll on the USA now, especially if the pollsters  were non white and women or of Hispanic origin.

 

I suspect that the USA would get a lower rating than Thailand.

"Freedom House" is just a CIA-talking-point outlet - no respect for anything they say, including about Thailand. 

But, if life was so bad for "minorities" in the USA, they would not be flooding in by the millions, from nations where they were among the majority ethnic-group. 

[Rob Browder]

On 3/15/2025 at 11:54 AM, 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.

Rubio sat on the Foreign-Relations committee in the Senate, and was no doubt familiar with the CIA's "Uyghur" militant-training program, before this latest twist.  A similar operation was carried out against Russia with Chechens. 

[NanLaew]

On 3/15/2025 at 6:42 AM, anchadian said:

Response to the recent policy announcement by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March 2025

 

1. The Thai Government notes the policy announced by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March 2025 and in this regard, the Thai Government has received assurances from the Government of China concerning the safety of the Uyghurs and will continue to follow up on the well-being of this group. The Thai Government has also clarified this matter with countries that have concerns on many occasions. Thailand has always upheld a long tradition of humanitarianism, particularly in providing assistance to displaced persons from various countries for more than half a century and will continue to do so.

 

2. Thailand has always and will continue to value the long-standing and close treaty alliance with the United States, based on mutual respect and shared strategic interests both at the bilateral and regional levels.

 

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/response-to-us-announcement-2

 

Indeed, the navy has a storied history of helpfully towing vessels with refugees from Rohingya, through Thai waters and casting them adrift in Malaysian waters. All this while, their land-based counterparts stage those fleeing across land borders through remote southern jungle camps to Malaysia. Their humanitarianism is unquestionable.

[LiamB80]

The last time they started deporting these Uyghurs the Erawan Shrine was blown up killing around 20 and injuring 100. I heard the boom all the way down by Nana plaza. Gripped the city in fear until they were caught.

[JimHuaHin]

Good move.