Thai Deputy PM Phumtham Reassures Uyghurs in Xinjiang Visit

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In what many view as a poignant gesture, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, recently travelled to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. His visit was marked by an apology for the prolonged detention of some Uyghur individuals in Thailand, emphasising that the intention was always to reunite these individuals with their families back home.

 

Yesterday, March 19, Phumtham, who also serves as the defence minister, met a Uyghur couple in Xinjiang who had returned just over a fortnight ago. The couple, having spent 11 challenging years away from their homeland, received Phumtham with a sense of renewed hope and hearty appreciation.

 

The Uyghur man, now home after over a decade, remarked on the extensive changes in his community, particularly the new housing developments by the Chinese government following a past earthquake. Reflecting on his journey, he recounted how promises of a better life abroad lured him to Thailand, a decision he now regrets, having realised his true contentment lies at home.

 

Despite initial apprehensions of detention upon returning to Xinjiang, he experienced a safe welcome instead. Drawing from his experience, he now works as a chef at his sister’s restaurant, while his family resides in another city. The Thais he encountered have reassured him of their support through his transition.

 

Phumtham's visit was more than ceremonial; it was an attempt to ascertain their well-being personally. He articulated that the legal constraints meant long detentions were unfortunately unavoidable when no third country was prepared to accept them.

 

 

 

In a touching moment, the Uyghur man displayed his identification and household documents, symbolic of his reintegration and his entitlement to compensation for lost wages. Phumtham was subsequently able to convey his relief, having confirmed the safety and satisfaction of those returned.

 

Meanwhile, Phumtham addressed concerns vocalised by some in Thailand about the potential mistreatment of returnees by the Chinese authorities. Both his reassurances and the Uyghur community’s affirmations challenge these fears, revealing a narrative of relief and resettlement.

 

As warmth and gratitude filled the air, a family member, the man’s sister, articulated her joy of reuniting, metaphorically likening it to receiving wings to soar once more. Her sentiment encapsulated the emotional reunion, one many thought was hopeless with fears they could have perished in Thailand.

 

Overall, Phumtham's visit underscores Thailand's commitment to handling sensitive international issues with diplomacy and compassion while ensuring that actions align with legal obligations and humanitarian concerns, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-20

 

 

[MikeandDow]

PR BS

[SmartyMarty]

If you believe this, you will believe anything. The Uyghurs are one of the most persecuted groups in China. this is a farce.

[John Drake]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Overall, Phumtham's visit underscores Thailand's commitment to handling sensitive international issues with diplomacy and compassion while ensuring that actions align with legal obligations and humanitarian concerns, reported The Thaiger.

 

Everything is fine!

[dinsdale]

Chinese/Thai propaganda piece.

[Mr Meeseeks]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

In what many view as a poignant gesture

 

Pure propaganda. 

 

The article is nauseating. Shame on those who wrote it, translated it and reposted it on here. Disgusting. 🤢