Thaksin Dismisses US Sanctions Over Uyghur Deportations

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In a recent development stirring political dialogue, former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has downplayed the United States' decision to impose visa restrictions on Thai officials.

 

This move by the US follows Thailand's controversial deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs to China last month, a step that has attracted significant international scrutiny.

 

Thaksin declared on Monday that the US authorities appear to have acted on outdated information, emphasising that the deportations adhered to legal frameworks and international humanitarian norms. He highlighted the complex situation of the Uyghurs, who had been detained in Thailand for illegal entry for over a decade, with no other nation stepping up to offer asylum.

 

"The US and Europe did not provide them refuge either," Thaksin noted. "Their country of origin is China, and with China's assurances of no prosecution upon their return, they should reunite with their families."

 

These deportations have triggered both US sanctions and a European Parliament resolution condemning Thailand, not just for this incident, but also for issues related to the lese-majeste law.

 

Speaking on how to engage with the US on this matter, Thaksin maintained that American authorities comprehend the intricacies, albeit acknowledging that international politics are often tangled. Despite the condemnation, he pointed out that free trade negotiations continue to be unaffected.

 

 

 

 

"There's nothing to be alarmed about," Thaksin reassured. "If I'm not worried, you shouldn't be either."

 

The former prime minister further dismissed any potential impact of the US visa sanctions on sitting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra or other cabinet members, asserting that diplomatic efforts can ameliorate misunderstandings. "Nothing is permanent. If they don't understand, we clarify it. There's nothing to worry about," he added.

 

When questioned about the necessity of high-level engagements to resolve the issue, Thaksin implied that dialogues can proceed through various diplomatic channels without immediate concern.

 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated on Monday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively addressing international community concerns regarding the Uyghur deportations, reported Bangkok Post.

 

As the situation unfolds, the Thai government faces a delicate balancing act between upholding international relations, maintaining its sovereignty, and handling domestic critiques. The financial implications of these diplomatic tensions also linger, as Thailand continues to prioritise stability to sustain economic growth and foreign investments, crucial for its currency valuation and resulting economic forecasts currently poised around 42 Thai Baht per 1 USD, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-18

 

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

Typical Thai response. Double down and never take any responsibility whatsoever.

 

Also, why is the convicted Chinese gangster making statements apparently on behalf of the Thai government? 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Their country of origin is China,

 

And your country of origin Tony is?

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thaksin reassured. "If I'm not worried, you shouldn't be either."

 

Perhaps you should be.

[MikeandDow]

"The UN is not my father "

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Their country of origin is China

 

Which they had fled from because of fear of persecution.

Thailand sent them back into hell.

[Hunz Kittisak]

If indeed no other countries offered them asylum then it’s all empty talk now from US and EU

[lordgrinz]

I'm awaiting a future ICC ruling, and hopefully we'll see him soon sitting next to Duterte in a Hague prison cell.

[phil2407]

WTF does it have to do with him? Someone put him in retirement or rehab permanently 

 

[CallumWK]

24 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

If indeed no other countries offered them asylum then it’s all empty talk now from US and EU

 

Oh here we have Thaksin's personal spokesman, parroting the lies his master spouts.

 

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/canada-and-us-offered-uyghurs-in-thailand-asylum-before-deportation-to-china/56739

 

The US offered to resettle the 48 Uyghurs, said an official from the US State Department.

 

"The US has worked with Thailand for years to avoid this situation, including by consistently and repeatedly offering to resettle the Uyghurs in other countries, including, at one point, the US," the US official said, asking not to be named.

 

 

Canada also offered asylum to the detained Uyghurs, said four sources, including diplomats and people with direct knowledge.

 

Two of these sources said another offer came from Australia.

 

[blaze master]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The US and Europe did not provide them refuge either," Thaksin noted. "Their country of origin is China, and with China's assurances of no prosecution upon their return, they should reunite with their families."

 

Trust China? Please can I. 

[ronster]

Why is he being given publicity ?

Is he not banned from politics 🤔

[NemoH]

Of course he is not worried because he is an unaccountable, unelected, and an ordinary man not holding any government post in Thailand 🤣🤣

[watchcat]

17 minutes ago, blaze master said:

 

Trust China? Please can I. 

 

Nope.

 

[jippytum]

Thaksin's human rights record was shocking when he was officially in charge. Little wonder he endorses sending these refugee to a life of hell in China. 

[tomazbodner]

Well, US is deporting illegals. Why can't Thailand do the same?

[hotchilli]

Typical Thaksin reply... just look at his history with humanitarian issues.

[PeeJayEm]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The US and Europe did not provide them refuge either," Thaksin noted.

Utter lies - USA, Canada and Australia repeatedly offered asylum for thee people.

 

Thailand has sinned badly.

[PeeJayEm]

1 hour ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

If indeed no other countries offered them asylum then it’s all empty talk now from US and EU

He is lying - USA, Canada and Australia repeatedly

offered asylum for these people but Thailand refuses that and sent them to hell instead.

[PeeJayEm]

28 minutes ago, jippytum said:

Thaksin's human rights record was shocking when he was officially in charge. Little wonder he endorses sending these refugee to a life of hell in China. 

He is also lying. 

USA, Canada and Australia repeatedly

offered asylum for these people but Thailand refuses that and sent them to hell instead.

[PeeJayEm]

27 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

Well, US is deporting illegals. Why can't Thailand do the same?

USA, Canada and Australia repeatedly

offered asylum for these people but Thailand refuses that and sent them to hell instead.

[TheFishman1]

Yeah I remember him saying he wants to come back to Thailand to enjoy his grandkids go swimming in the pool with him what a liar I thought it wasn’t supposed to be involved in politics he’s running the country once again unbelievable TIT

[thesetat]

1 hour ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

If indeed no other countries offered them asylum then it’s all empty talk now from US and EU

But, the US embassy in Thailand already claimed that they had offered this several times and refused by Thailand. 

Also, there is the issue that Thailand did this to appease China with their fears of repercussions being made against Thailand by China. 

[klauskunkel]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin declared on Monday that the US authorities appear to have acted on outdated information, emphasising that the deportations adhered to legal frameworks and international humanitarian norms. He highlighted the complex situation of the Uyghurs, who had been detained in Thailand for illegal entry for over a decade, with no other nation stepping up to offer asylum.

 

"The US and Europe did not provide them refuge either," Thaksin noted. "Their country of origin is China, and with China's assurances of no prosecution upon their return, they should reunite with their families."

Now I know for sure who was behind that decision.