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'.

[JoePai]

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

[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.

[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.

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

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

 

 

 

 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

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

 

 

 

At least one thing I agree with Trump administration. 👍

[metisdead]

An off topic deflection post about Trump administration deporting alleged criminals without due process and the replies have been removed as this topic is about:

 

Uyghur Deportation Drama Halts Thai-US Trade Talks

[renaissanc]

2 hours 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!

The problem, as I see it, is that many expats only watch the propaganda channels, CNN and "MSDNC".

[renaissanc]

Thailand is stuck in the past when ASEAN countries sucked up to the CCP. Xi's recent trip around ASEAN showed that the CCP has no hold over ASEAN countries anymore. Thailand will have to change its policy towards the CCP, and this includes not sending Uyghurs back to  China to their presumed deaths.

[spidermike007]

6 hours ago, alanrchase said:

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.

Not anymore. You are referring to the pre Trump America. Justice and the constitution are now out the window with the grifter.

[spidermike007]

Normally I would praise the US for taking a moral stand against a spectacularly morally bankrupt Thai administration. But now? Trump has essentially surrendered any right to take a moral stand against any nation. 

[Mike_Hunt]

18 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Not anymore. You are referring to the pre Trump America. Justice and the constitution are now out the window with the grifter.

Yep.   The Dems are right about something.  There are two systems of justice in the USA. 

 

https://www.startribune.com/suspect-in-tesla-vandalizing-spree-in-minneapolis-to-be-entered-into-diversion-and-not-charged/601334027

 

 

[Mike_Hunt]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Normally I would praise the US for taking a moral stand against a spectacularly morally bankrupt Thai administration. But now? Trump has essentially surrendered any right to take a moral stand against any nation. 

 

If Trump cured cancer, you would root for cancer. 

[spidermike007]

56 minutes ago, Mike_Hunt said:

 

If Trump cured cancer, you would root for cancer. 

I know with that spectacularly thin skin of yours anyone who disagrees with Trump on any level, for any reason, is very hurtful to you, and something that you simply cannot help but take personally.

 

But facts are facts, and the man is a dunce. 

[Paradise Pete]

9 hours ago, alanrchase said:

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.

 

With some unfortunate recent exceptions. 

[Paradise Pete]

1 hour ago, Mike_Hunt said:

 

If Trump cured cancer, you would root for cancer. 

 

Trump is despised because of what he actually says and does, not by some impossible fantasy.

Oddly, Trump is uniquely positioned to fix US healthcare. He's the only one who could convince Republicans to pass universal healthcare. But instead he plays golf.

 

[Mike_Hunt]

9 minutes ago, Paradise Pete said:

 

Trump is despised because of what he actually says and does, not by some impossible fantasy.

Oddly, Trump is uniquely positioned to fix US healthcare. He's the only one who could convince Republicans to pass universal healthcare. But instead he plays golf.

 

How do you plan on funding "universal healthcare"?

[Mike_Hunt]

36 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I know with that spectacularly thin skin of yours anyone who disagrees with Trump on any level, for any reason, is very hurtful to you, and something that you simply cannot help but take personally.

 

But facts are facts, and the man is a dunce. 

 

Looks like my post triggered your thin skin. 

[Gknrd]

Thailand is important to the US as all the Asian countries are. The more aligned with the US the better. I say BS to this headline.  Although it is not exactly saying much for sending the Uyghur's to certain death, prison and dismemberment for parts to be used.  

More to do with China pressuring Thailand to not talk with the US IMO.