BANGKOK — Thailand has found itself at the center of diplomatic tensions after deporting 40 Uyghurs back to China, drawing sharp criticism from Western nations while defending its decision as a necessary legal action.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai firmly defended the deportation during a press conference at the Ministry of Defense on February 28, 2025, stating that Thailand “had no choice” and acted in full compliance with the law.
“If we had sent the Uyghurs back and they faced life-threatening danger, that would be a matter for serious consideration,” Phumtham stated. “But China has the right to request the return of these individuals, who are Chinese citizens of Uyghur ethnicity with clear places of residence.”
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Thailand’s previous successful efforts to send over a hundred Uyghurs to Turkey, but noted that after 11 years of detention, no other countries were willing to accept the remaining detainees.
“I’ve told Western nations that if they would accept these people, there would be no problem, but they have refused, prioritizing their own national interests,” he said.
Phumtham argued that continuing to detain the Uyghurs would violate Thailand’s 2022 Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, making deportation “the best solution” while promising to monitor their safety periodically.
The United States swiftly condemned the action. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on February 27 expressing alarm: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Thailand’s forced return of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where they lack due process rights and where Uyghurs have faced persecution, forced labor, and torture.”
Rubio further stated that the deportation “risks running afoul of Thailand’s international obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture and the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.”
Similarly, the European Union expressed deep regret over the deportation, calling it “a breach of the principle of non-refoulement and Thailand’s obligations under national and international law as a member of the Human Rights Council.”
China, however, defended the repatriation. China’s Ministry of Public Security said the 40 “illegal migrants” had been deported “in accordance with international law.” Ministry spokesman Lin Jian described the action as “a concrete measure of cooperation between China and Thailand in combating cross-border crimes.”
Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the individuals had been “bewitched by criminal organisations” and were stranded in Thailand, adding that their families had repeatedly asked the Chinese government to assist in their return.
The deportation comes as Thailand and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and are working together to crack down on scammer networks in the region, leading some to view Thailand’s decision as tilting toward Chinese interests.
Thailand has historically faced challenges in navigating diplomatic pressures between Western nations and China, particularly on human rights issues. The country typically sends individuals involved in such disputes to third countries, making this direct deportation to China a notable departure from past practices.
When questioned about potential security threats related to the deportation, Phumtham insisted: “We haven’t violated anyone’s rights. If we had sent them to their deaths, there would be cause for concern, but currently they are fine. Any problems that arise now would be due to those who deviate from what should be.”
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Previous report:
Thailand Deports 40 Uyghurs to China Despite Human Rights Concerns
