Politics Uyghur Deportation Drama Halts Thai-US Trade Talks

[webfact]

Picture courtes of Amarin TV

 

Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has denied claims of being blacklisted by the US following a controversial decision by Thailand to deport 40 Uyghurs back to China.

 

This deportation drew international criticism due to allegations of the Uyghurs' persecution in China, which the Chinese government has repeatedly denied.

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed that trade talks scheduled with the US were postponed as Thailand addressed "issues" the US wanted resolved, with no new date set for negotiations.

 

Phumtham dismissed concerns over his non-attendance at the US talks, emphasizing that security-related discussions could be managed remotely.

 

The Thai Ministry of Defence had already assessed the potential impacts of the US's proposed tariff increase on Thai imports, which stands at 36%, and shared its findings with the Thai delegation.

 

 

 

Despite the Thai security officials being absent from the Washington delegation, there were no official travel restrictions communicated by the US to him.

 

The deportation decision has triggered allegations connecting Thailand's action to the absence of Mr. Phumtham and other security officials from the delegation.

 

Further tension arises from the US Department of State's imposition of sanctions on unnamed Thai officials involved in the deportation. Phumtham downplayed the trade talk delay, expressing readiness and preparation for dialogue whenever it resumes.

 

Amidst this diplomatic strain, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, urged the government to outline relief plans for those affected by the new trade tariffs.

 

Additionally, the academic freedom case concerning Paul Chambers, an American arrested in Thailand, adds another layer of complexity. Chambers’ bail conditions prevent him from leaving Thailand, which his brother contends should delay trade talks until resolved.

 

In summary, the deportation of Uyghurs and the resulting US reaction have stirred diplomatic waters, delaying crucial trade discussions between the two nations. The situation remains fraught with geopolitical tensions and unresolved issues demanding attention.

 

CODE NEW

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-04-24

 

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Additionally, the academic freedom case concerning Paul Chambers, an American arrested in Thailand

A typical Chinese, Russian, terrorist trick.

Arrest (kidnap?) innocent people and use them as pawns in 'negotiations'.

[Gandtee]

No mention of the Trump administration deporting alleged criminals without due process and refusing a court order to return an alleged innocent to the US. Deported by 'mistake.

[JoePai]

Oh no, something I agree on with the US - only for this mind, don't get ideas    😎

[BritScot]

3 hours ago, Gandtee said:

No mention of the Trump administration deporting alleged criminals without due process and refusing a court order to return an alleged innocent to the US. Deported by 'mistake.

Try keeping up with events. Plus your hatred for Trump and therefore America is all to obvious for everyone to see. First they are criminals by definition "illegal immigrants" second the criminal you mention is now proven to be a very violent gang member. A gang that has been designated terrorist organisation.  I'm not american, I'm not a Trump fan boy or Musk but anyone who loves their country and works for free is OK by me. Wish we had a Trump and Musk in the UK!

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed that trade talks scheduled with the US were postponed as Thailand addressed "issues" the US wanted resolved, with no new date set for negotiations.

Maybe it had something to do with Thailand in the thick of re-directing goods made in China being re-labelled made in Thailand.

Also the projected tariff charge put on Chinese solar panels is making Thailand nervous....

Thailand is caught between a USA mandate that they have to agree to, before any trade talks can take place. Thailands love affair with aiding and abbeting Chinese tariff dodging games by using Thailand as a transiting hub must come to an end.

Thailand can no longer sit on the fence and play dumb.

[Thingamabob]

4 hours ago, Gandtee said:

No mention of the Trump administration deporting alleged criminals without due process and refusing a court order to return an alleged innocent to the US. Deported by 'mistake.

This is about Thailand deporting Uyghurs to China, where many are kept in concentration-type camps with no chance of freedom. It has nothing to do with the US govt policy regarding illegal immigrants.

[PBob]

The truth is worse, Thailand is just not that important to the USA.

[alanrchase]

1 hour ago, BritScot said:

Try keeping up with events. Plus your hatred for Trump and therefore America is all to obvious for everyone to see. First they are criminals by definition "illegal immigrants" second the criminal you mention is now proven to be a very violent gang member. A gang that has been designated terrorist organisation.  I'm not american, I'm not a Trump fan boy or Musk but anyone who loves their country and works for free is OK by me. Wish we had a Trump and Musk in the UK!

They are not criminals until they have been convicted in a court of law. Everyone in the US has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.