Thailand has come under sharp international criticism for deporting at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where rights groups and foreign governments warn they may face severe persecution. The move, carried out on February 27, has drawn condemnation from the United States, the European Union, and human rights organizations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the deportations, stating that Uyghurs returned to China risk persecution, forced labor, and torture. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Thailand’s forced return of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where they lack due process rights,” Rubio said. The British and German governments echoed similar concerns, with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urging Thailand to uphold human rights protections.
The European Union also expressed regret over Thailand’s decision, calling it a violation of international law. Anouar El Anouni, an EU spokesperson, called on China to respect the rights of the deported individuals. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk reiterated that international law prohibits deportations in cases where individuals face risks of torture or ill-treatment.
Thailand has previously faced criticism over the forced return of Uyghurs. In 2015, the country deported 109 Uyghurs to China, a move that was widely condemned by the UN and the U.S. Despite prior assurances that no new deportations were planned, Thai national police chief Kitrat Phanphet confirmed the latest handover, stating that Beijing had formally requested their return.
China’s Ministry of Public Security described the deported group as “illegal migrants” and framed their return as a cooperative effort between Thailand and China in combating cross-border crime. Chinese officials further stated that the individuals had been misled by criminal organizations and that their families had requested their repatriation.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai defended the decision, asserting that the government had carefully considered the deportations and was confident that the Uyghurs would not face mistreatment upon their return. However, rights groups continue to raise alarms over the fate of those sent back, citing past cases where deported Uyghurs disappeared or faced harsh treatment.
