Thai Govt Frets as Uyghur Issue Jolts EU Trade Talks

[webfact]

FILE - This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 27, 2025. (Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP, File)

 

Thailand's current spat with the European Union could complicate crucial free trade discussions, following the country's controversial deportation of Uyghur individuals.

 

Officials from the Committee on Economic Development, joined by representatives from other ministries and business groups, are scrambling to assess the potential fallout.

 

The EU has shown its disdain for Thailand’s actions, and concern is growing within the Thai government. Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, who heads the committee, warns that these deportations might hinder the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, previously anticipated by year-end.

 

The situation is hazy, but it could also jeopardize Thailand's aspirations of joining the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

 

Moreover, Sittiphol noted possible repercussions from the United States, mentioning that changes to US trade policies might hike tariffs on Thai exports, potentially affecting billions of Thai Baht worth of goods.

 

 

 

 

In a move to smooth over tensions, the Thai government plans to engage directly with European ambassadors. There's some optimism that this gesture might soothe the situation, but Sittiphol maintains that Thailand needs a robust strategy to brace for further trade disputes, particularly if the FTA doesn't push through as planned.

 

Meanwhile, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) stepped up to insist that the nation has long been a proponent of international human rights standards.

 

They cited past efforts to tackle international issues like illegal fishing, reinforcing Thailand's commitment to align with global norms. Regarding deportations, TCC representatives argued these actions aren’t unique to Thailand and should remain separate from trade discussions.

 

With tensions high and significant trade agreements at stake, it's clear this issue could have lasting ramifications. The government’s actions in the coming weeks will be critical in determining Thailand’s international trade relationships and economic future.

 

Based on a story by Bangkok Post

 

-- 2025-03-28

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

Karma is a bitch.  In this planetary age, agree to international standards, or be left out in the cold.

[Tropicalevo]

"As ye sow, so shall ye reap" 

[BangkokReady]

  On 3/28/2025 at 12:33 AM, webfact said:

Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, who heads the committee, warns that these deportations might hinder the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, previously anticipated by year-end.

 

The situation is hazy, but it could also jeopardize Thailand's aspirations of joining the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

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You can't expect to join a network of progressive liberal countries while sending political prisoners off to be tortured and killed.

 

I think Thais are used to never being held accountable.

[hotsun]

I bet they thought this would just blow over in a week too. Fools

[MikeandDow]

Thailand Shame    War on drugs, Tak Bai massacre, Totally corupt country, and this !!

[newbee2022]

  On 3/28/2025 at 12:33 AM, webfact said:

FILE - This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 27, 2025. (Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP, File)

 

Thailand's current spat with the European Union could complicate crucial free trade discussions, following the country's controversial deportation of Uyghur individuals.

 

Officials from the Committee on Economic Development, joined by representatives from other ministries and business groups, are scrambling to assess the potential fallout.

 

The EU has shown its disdain for Thailand’s actions, and concern is growing within the Thai government. Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, who heads the committee, warns that these deportations might hinder the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, previously anticipated by year-end.

 

The situation is hazy, but it could also jeopardize Thailand's aspirations of joining the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

 

Moreover, Sittiphol noted possible repercussions from the United States, mentioning that changes to US trade policies might hike tariffs on Thai exports, potentially affecting billions of Thai Baht worth of goods.

 

 

 

 

In a move to smooth over tensions, the Thai government plans to engage directly with European ambassadors. There's some optimism that this gesture might soothe the situation, but Sittiphol maintains that Thailand needs a robust strategy to brace for further trade disputes, particularly if the FTA doesn't push through as planned.

 

Meanwhile, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) stepped up to insist that the nation has long been a proponent of international human rights standards.

 

They cited past efforts to tackle international issues like illegal fishing, reinforcing Thailand's commitment to align with global norms. Regarding deportations, TCC representatives argued these actions aren’t unique to Thailand and should remain separate from trade discussions.

 

With tensions high and significant trade agreements at stake, it's clear this issue could have lasting ramifications. The government’s actions in the coming weeks will be critical in determining Thailand’s international trade relationships and economic future.

 

Based on a story by Bangkok Post

 

-- 2025-03-28

 

 

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I hope the EU will slap Thailand economically. 

[spidermike007]

Extreme cowardice and total moral bankruptcy has a price, being outed as a coward has a price, perhaps Thailand will be called to account and perhaps their lack of morality will begin to cause them enough embarrassment, enough humiliation, and enough shame, to force them into doing the right thing. 

[Coxy]

Thailand was warned this could happen, actions have consequences 

[AsiaCheese]

  On 3/28/2025 at 2:09 AM, BangkokReady said:

sending political prisoners off to be tortured and killed

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And of course, as always, there is reliable information that that is the case. 

 

Thailand tried to negociate with third-party countries regarding relocation of the Uyghurs, as an alternative to sending them back to China. There hasn't been a country that would have taken the Uyghurs - whatever that tells us.

[FlorC]

Retaliate by putting some tariffs on imported euro goods.

Oops they already do.

[lordgrinz]

I guess it's a little more than just a "misunderstanding" now, the chickens have come home to roost.

[fondue zoo]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:08 AM, AsiaCheese said:

And of course, as always, there is reliable information that that is the case. 

 

Thailand tried to negociate with third-party countries regarding relocation of the Uyghurs, as an alternative to sending them back to China. There hasn't been a country that would have taken the Uyghurs - whatever that tells us.

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So who's being misleading here? Thailand claims that no one was willing to provide assistance to the Uyghurs, yet there are reports from other countries stating otherwise.

What’s the real story?

 

[Purdey]

Thailand has to agree that, just as it is its own and no one else's decision to send Uyghurs back to China, The EU has the right to decide whether or not to trade with Thailand.

[greeneking]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:08 AM, AsiaCheese said:

And of course, as always, there is reliable information that that is the case. 

 

Thailand tried to negociate with third-party countries regarding relocation of the Uyghurs, as an alternative to sending them back to China. There hasn't been a country that would have taken the Uyghurs - whatever that tells us.

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Several countries said they would.

[Screaming]

Maybe the socialist globalist EU should shut the F up. Are they not having enough problems with their illegal migrants. I often wondered why my four grandparents immigrated to the U.S. (legally) from Europe as I have always loved my ancestral homeland in Europe. But now I can understand a little bit more. I am so sad to see the wasting of a once great Continent.

[coxo]

So Thailand has to bow to the EU? Why so it can become a total mess like all western country's following the woke format allowing immigrants in with no respect for the culture, good on Thailand for doing what is best for Thailand.

[Woke to Sounds]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:08 AM, AsiaCheese said:

There hasn't been a country that would have taken the Uyghurs - whatever that tells us.

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Canada, the United States and Australia - perhaps others? -  would have accepted the Uyghurs.

 

Surely that is a better outcome than anything communist China could offer?

[hotchilli]

  On 3/28/2025 at 12:33 AM, webfact said:

Meanwhile, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) stepped up to insist that the nation has long been a proponent of international human rights standards.

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Really... Thailands past actions talk louder than these false words.

This latest deportation has crossed the line for may nations, specially in the EU

 

[Andrew65]

Free trade is going to involve not putting a 300% import tax on luxury cars?

[Phantom57]

  On 3/28/2025 at 12:33 AM, webfact said:

Meanwhile, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) stepped up to insist that the nation has long been a proponent of international human rights standards.

 

They cited past efforts to tackle international issues like illegal fishing, reinforcing Thailand's commitment to align with global norms.

Expand  

“Illegal fishing”?,  probably not quite the same.

[harryviking]

I call it pure and simple stupidity on the Thai side as they should have known that their actions would be stirring up resentments from most of the free world!! There is no excuse for doing what they did and deserve to be punished for it.

[RandolphGB]

Thailand took cash from Japan for them to build the Death Railway while smiling to the West, lined their pockets with money from the Americans to aid their slaughter of innocent North Vietnamese, helped the Khmer Rouge commit genocide then stole international aid intended to rebuild Cambodia, sold arms and loans the Burmese junta... who knows what else.

 

Selling a few Uyghur down the river is nothing new for what is the most duplicitous, two-faced, morally empty, avaricious country on the planet.

[MikeandDow]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:08 AM, AsiaCheese said:

And of course, as always, there is reliable information that that is the case. 

 

Thailand tried to negociate with third-party countries regarding relocation of the Uyghurs, as an alternative to sending them back to China. There hasn't been a country that would have taken the Uyghurs - whatever that tells us.

Expand  

What a load of BS You need to read the new or do some research before posting BS, Canada, the United States and Australia had offered to take them FACT!   why did they not ?? because Thailand refused access to the Uyghurs FACT!    THAILANDS SHAME

[Andrew65]

Thailand will eventually have to restrict the number of arrivals from India and China, 3 billion people living within 5 hours flying time of Thailand.

For many of them it's the same kind of journey as flying from the UK to Greece, not that far/short haul, as flying goes.

[MikeandDow]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:49 AM, Andrew65 said:

Thailand will eventually have to restrict the number of arrivals from India and China, 3 billion people living within 5 hours flying time of Thailand.

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What has this got to do with this Topic ??

[Andrew65]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:48 AM, MikeandDow said:

What a load of BS You need to read the new or do some research before posting BS, Canada, the United States and Australia had offered to take them FACT!   why did they not ?? because Thailand refused access to the Uyghurs FACT! 

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The difference being is that once admitted to the UK it can be impossible to make them leave/deport them, even when they turn out to be criminals. Thailand's free to deport whomever it chooses.

[Andrew65]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:51 AM, MikeandDow said:

What has this got to do with this Topic ??

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Erm....we're talking about numbers of Chinese people visiting Thailand, and how long they stay, it's very relevent. Especially when there are 1,500 million Chinese people in China.

[BangkokReady]

  On 3/28/2025 at 6:08 AM, AsiaCheese said:

Thailand tried to negociate with third-party countries regarding relocation of the Uyghurs, as an alternative to sending them back to China. There hasn't been a country that would have taken the Uyghurs - whatever that tells us.

Expand  

 

Even if this is true, it doesn't affect what I wrote.

[PETERTHEEATER]

My interpretation of this is that a junior and obsequious employee of the Foreign Ministry will visit each Ambassador in turn and present them with a basket of birds nest essence.