Thailand Defends Uyghur Repatriation Amid US Criticism

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Thai government finds itself in the spotlight as it counters international criticism surrounding its recent repatriation of 40 Uyghurs to China. Responding to the US decision to impose visa sanctions on Thai officials involved, Bangkok has emphasised its adherence to humanitarian principles and its historical role as a refuge for those fleeing persecution.

 

In a statement issued over the weekend, Thai authorities stressed assurances from China guaranteeing the safety of the deported Uyghurs. The Thai government committed to monitoring the well-being of these individuals, striving to maintain transparency and accountability in its dealings.

 

The US Department of State, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, announced visa restrictions targeting current and former Thai officials deemed complicit in the February 27 deportations.

 

This move marks the latest chapter in a series of sanctions the US has imposed on Thailand, which have previously included military aid suspension and specific penalties against individuals and companies for various infractions.

 

In the domestic arena, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut urged the Thai government to align its actions with international human rights standards. He advocated for a balanced approach in dealing with global powers, particularly the US and China, to avoid further diplomatic fallout or punitive measures.

 

Speculation surrounds Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai regarding their potential inclusion in the US sanctions list, though official comments from their offices remain forthcoming.

 

The European Parliament has also voiced strong criticism, censuring Thailand over both the Uyghur deportations and other human rights concerns. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has suggested diplomatic engagement with the EU could foster better understanding and potentially mitigate tensions.

 

In response to international scrutiny, Thailand is reportedly planning an official visit to China to observe the treatment of the repatriated Uyghurs. Opposition voices have called for such visits to include independent observers, ensuring transparency and credibility in the findings.

 

Panitan Wattanayagorn, an expert in international relations, has advised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to press China for information about the whereabouts and conditions of the repatriated Uyghurs.

 

Sharing these details with both the European Parliament and the US could alleviate some of the international concern and restore confidence in Thailand's commitment to human rights.

 

As Thailand navigates this complex diplomatic terrain, the government's actions will be watched closely by both domestic audiences and the international community, with significant implications for its global standing, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-17

 

 

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thai authorities stressed assurances from China guaranteeing the safety of the deported Uyghurs.

If the CCP says something you know it's true. Xi is 100% trustworthy. I still think there's an underlying  monetary aspect to this be it a monetary threat from Beijing or a handout. Remember this happened just after the puppet PM got back from her China visit.

[JoseThailand]

In Putin's footsteps..

[JoseThailand]

Kudos to the US for taking action and drawing attention to the atrocities committed by China and its accomplices

[wozzlegummich]

Even someone as foriegn-policy inept as the Orange man thinks this was bad. Thailand had to yield to their Chinese overlords, now they are back pedalling to try and save face.

[JoePai]

Trying (yet again) to defend the indefensible 

[JimHuaHin]

Thailand's international credibility takes another hit.

 

Why are the Thai ultra-nationalists not complaining about or demonstrating against the Government for bringing Thailand's reputation into international (bar China) disrepute?

 

Where are you Khun Sondhi?

[Aussie999]

"In a statement issued over the weekend, Thai authorities stressed assurances from China guaranteeing the safety of the deported Uyghurs. The Thai government committed to monitoring the well-being of these individuals, striving to maintain transparency and accountability in its dealings."

 

I think we all know this is just BS. Thailand bends over for China, it's a simple as that.. Thailand has no morals, or backbone.. and yet still holds a seat in the UN Human Rights Council. Shame on the UN, which also bends over for China, the US, and Russia.

[Tropicalevo]

And the lies trip effortlessly off the government's tongues.

[JBChiangRai]

You can always trust the Thai government to take a morally bankrupt decision, particularly when it’s profitable.

[harryviking]

They can defend as much as they like. The thing is they are bending over for their Chinese masters and are cowards. They deserve a "slap on the fingers"!

[Scouse123]

4 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

Kudos to the US for taking action and drawing attention to the atrocities committed by China and its accomplices

 

And what about the atrocities now taking place under the Trump regime regarding the forced repatriation of South Americans in chains?

 

Many of these people are fleeing persecution, murders, blackmail, decapitation, etc at the hands of the drug cartels in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, but that doesn't matter, does it?

[lordgrinz]

5 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

And what about the atrocities now taking place under the Trump regime regarding the forced repatriation of South Americans in chains?

 

Many of these people are fleeing persecution, murders, blackmail, decapitation, etc at the hands of the drug cartels in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, but that doesn't matter, does it?

 

That has got to be the most ridiculous comparison I have ever heard. 

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Bangkok has emphasised its adherence to humanitarian principles and its historical role as a refuge for those fleeing persecution.

Yeah, just take a look at Thailands humanitarian history... rather checkered to say the least

[JoseThailand]

9 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Yeah, just take a look at Thailands humanitarian history... rather checkered to say the least

 

That's called far-right politics

[spidermike007]

Thailand is definitely on the wrong side of history on this one and the morally bankrupted administration made the wrong decision and bowed down and took the knee to Xi. 

 

China is hated worldwide, for good reason. It’s a lesson Xi has signally failed to absorb over Xinjiang. A detailed, independent US report recently confirmed that his regime has repeatedly breached the UN genocide convention in its horrific mistreatment of Uighurs.

 

Yet still Beijing persists in issuing grotesque statements flatly denying filmed and documented evidence of gross abuse. Its lies would be funny if they were not so egregious. Simultaneously, it traduces independent, fact-based journalism – and whinges mightily when Britain’s ambassador stresses its importance.

 

This sorry crew of party hacks and throwbacks must wake up. Polls show that China’s international standing is plummeting. Feelings of animosity and enmity grow. The ever more sophisticated, connected global audience scrutinising its daily actions is not so easily bamboozled as, say, its rural masses, held in check by starvation wages, propaganda and fear.

 

If Xi wants the respect traditionally afforded a great power, he must act responsibly in crises such as Myanmar, come clean on crimes in Xinjiang and Tibet, stop bullying the neighbours, and cease spewing silly lies as if he can somehow create an alternative reality.

[Dan747]

Total "BS", you cannot defend this!!

[LALes]

PM got her marching orders on the trip to Beijing.  She knows who's buttering her bread.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

In a statement issued over the weekend, Thai authorities stressed assurances from China guaranteeing the safety of the deported Uyghurs.

Anyone idiotic enough to believe this?

[jcmj]

They wouldn’t be trying to defend their decision so full forward if they all didn’t know it’s a bold face lie. No one is agreeing with this nonsense and they aren’t going to change their minds with a few lines of BS. Shame on Thailand’s leadership. 

[Peterphuket]

3 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

And what about the atrocities now taking place under the Trump regime regarding the forced repatriation of South Americans in chains?

 

Many of these people are fleeing persecution, murders, blackmail, decapitation, etc at the hands of the drug cartels in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, but that doesn't matter, does it?

You starting talking about football, go, quickly to Uranus.

[Scouse123]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

That has got to be the most ridiculous comparison I have ever heard. 

No it isn't

 

Forcibly repatriating  people, many of who are  in mortal danger.

 

Very unlike the boats landing in the UK and pretending they are asylum seekers when they are just there to sponge off our state. These guys are not in danger.

 

Many of the South Americans are.

 

But that doesn't fit the present US narrative under Trump.

[Scouse123]

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

You starting talking about football, go, quickly to Uranus.

 

Make a coherent post

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, Scouse123 said:

No it isn't

 

Forcibly repatriating  people, many of who are  in mortal danger.

 

Very unlike the boats landing in the UK and pretending they are asylum seekers when they are just there to sponge off our state. These guys are not in danger.

 

Many of the South Americans are.

 

But that doesn't fit the present US narrative under Trump.

 

You're comparing government oppression to cartels and gang members, that's like saying people living in gang infested cities in the USA should illegally immigrate to Europe and ask for refugee status. Your post is utter nonsense.

[mr336]

9 hours ago, dinsdale said:

If the CCP says something you know it's true. Xi is 100% trustworthy. I still think there's an underlying  monetary aspect to this be it a monetary threat from Beijing or a handout. Remember this happened just after the puppet PM got back from her China visit.

You should insert a laughing emoji. People might think you're serious.

[Peterphuket]

23 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

Make a coherent post

Hold up a mirror.

[Scouse123]

2 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

You're comparing government oppression to cartels and gang members, that's like saying people living in gang infested cities in the USA should illegally immigrate to Europe and ask for refugee status. Your post is utter nonsense.

 

Crap comparison by you.

 

You are talking nonsense.

 

The South Americans, many of which have entered the US illegally are genuinely running from cartels, who aren't running cities, they are running countries with the assistance of corrupt officials.

 

They are fleeing persecution, and Trump and his team are now forcibly repatriating them.

 

That's the similarity to the Uighurs in China.

 

So the USA slaps travel bans on Thai officials, who are just doing the same as US officials.

[Scouse123]

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

Hold up a mirror.

 

Why I wouldn't want to see you in my rear view.

[lordgrinz]

31 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

The South Americans, many of which have entered the US illegally are genuinely running from cartels, who aren't running cities, they are running countries with the assistance of corrupt officials..

 

Delusional paranoia, please provide facts for your fictions, if you can.

[Srikcir]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

Bangkok has emphasised its adherence to humanitarian principles and its historical role as a refuge for those fleeing persecution

Except when it doesn't.

• Six Uyghurs Caught Escaping From a Thai Jail Could be Sent Back to China, 2017.11.23                             https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/thailand-uyghurs-11232017172012.html; "Dilxat Raxit, spokesman for the World Uyghur Congress exile group, said he has doubts over whether Bangkok will do as it promises."
• Thailand forcibly sends nearly 100 Uighur Muslims back to China. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/09/thailand-forcibly-sends-nearly-100-uighur-muslims-back-to-china ; [In 2015, rights groups condemned Bangkok’s decision to deport 109 Uyghurs to China, which branded them "terrorists" and broadcast photos of them being flown back with hoods over their heads] . Volker Türk, UNHCR’s assistant high commissioner for protection, who was currently in the region said: “I strongly urge the Thai authorities to investigate this matter.”

[bamnutsak]

Hold them for 10+ years.

 

Sneak them out at night, in blacked-out trucks.

 

Just weeks after the PM visited China and TikTok pledged to invest 300 billion baht in Thailand.