Thailand’s decision to deport dozens of Uyghurs to China has sparked international condemnation, with human rights groups and foreign governments warning that those sent back could face severe persecution. The move, confirmed on Thursday by Thai authorities, drew sharp rebukes from the United Nations, the United States, and European nations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a strong statement denouncing Thailand, a key ally, for forcibly returning at least 40 Uyghurs, warning that they were at serious risk of human rights abuses. “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 have faced persecution, forced labor, and torture,” Rubio said.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed these concerns, stating that the United Kingdom “disagrees in the strongest terms” with Thailand’s actions and urging Bangkok to reconsider its approach to Uyghur asylum seekers. Germany’s foreign ministry also criticized the deportations, citing the risk of “serious human rights violations.” A spokesperson called on China to respect the rights of those deported and urged Thai authorities to monitor their well-being.
The European Union expressed regret over the move, calling it a “breach” of international law. EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni urged China to uphold the human rights of the deported individuals in line with its national and international obligations. Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Volker Türk reiterated that international law prohibits deportation in cases where there is a risk of torture or other irreparable harm.
The Uyghurs, a Muslim minority group, have long been subject to repression in China, including mass detentions and forced labor, according to human rights organizations. Many who flee China seek refuge in Southeast Asia, where they live in fear of being returned. Thailand previously deported 109 Uyghurs in 2015, drawing international condemnation, but had repeatedly denied recent plans for new deportations.
Thai National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet confirmed Thursday that Beijing had formally requested the return of 40 Uyghurs. “The Chinese government expressed sincerity in their intention to take care of them, promising in writing to guarantee their safety,” he told reporters, adding that the handover proceeded without resistance.
China’s public security ministry described those deported as “illegal migrants” and framed the repatriations as a step in bilateral cooperation on cross-border crime. A ministry spokesperson said their rights were “fully protected” but declined to provide further details. Chinese officials also claimed that some of those returned had been victims of criminal networks that had lured them abroad, and that their families had requested their return.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai defended the decision, saying it was “carefully considered” and that the government is confident the Uyghurs “will not face the problem everyone is concerned about.”
