Thailand Deports 40 Uyghur Men to China Despite International Outcry

Thailand Deports 40 Uyghur men to China, Drawing International Condemnation

by Uyghur Times

Feb 28, 2025

In the early hours of February 27, 2025, Thai authorities forcibly deported at least 40 Uyghur men to China, ending more than a decade of prolonged detention. The individuals had been held in immigration facilities, including Bangkok’s Suan Phlu Detention Center and, in some cases, Klong Prem Prison, since arriving in Thailand in March 2014 after fleeing persecution in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Many had intended to seek asylum elsewhere, often in Turkey. Over their years in detention, the group faced harsh conditions, limited medical care, and at least five deaths, while UN experts reported serious health concerns for dozens of the remaining detainees, including diabetes, kidney dysfunction, paralysis, and other chronic illnesses.

The deportation convoy left the Suan Phlu center around 2:00 a.m., transporting the men to Don Mueang International Airport for an unscheduled China Southern Airlines flight to Kashgar, Xinjiang. Chinese state media described the returnees as “40 Chinese nationals who illegally left the country” and claimed the repatriation was “in accordance with international law,” without acknowledging their Uyghur identity or asylum claims. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, told local media that China had provided assurances the men would face no penalties, though these claims were met with widespread skepticism.

The deportation drew immediate international criticism. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio condemned the action, stating: “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.” He highlighted the violation of international human rights obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement. According to reports, countries including Sweden and Australia had offered resettlement options, which Thailand did not accept.

Marco Rubio also said in his statement:“China, under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party, has committed genocide and crimes against humanity targeting predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. We call on Chinese authorities to provide full access to verify the well-being of the returned Uyghurs on a regular basis. The Thai Government must insist and fully verify continuously that Chinese authorities protect the Uyghurs’ human rights.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was “deeply troubled,” describing the deportation as a “clear violation of international human rights laws and standards” and a breach of the absolute prohibition on refoulement. “My Office has urged, repeatedly, the Thai authorities to respect their obligations under international law in relation to these individuals in need of international protection,” said Türk. “It is deeply regrettable that they have been forcibly returned.”

“The Thai authorities must ensure there are no further deportations and the remaining members of the group, including potential refugees and asylum-seekers, being held in Thailand are fully protected in accordance with their obligations under international law,” the UN Human Rights Chief said.

He urged China to disclose the men’s whereabouts and ensure their safety while calling on Thailand to protect the remaining Uyghur detainees. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, as well as the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, issued statements condemning the deportation, emphasizing Thailand’s obligations under international law.

This incident echoes Thailand’s 2015 deportation of 109 Uyghurs to China, whose current status remains largely unknown. Advocates warn that the latest deportation underscores ongoing risks for Uyghurs facing persecution in Xinjiang and call for transparency, independent monitoring, and accountability for those involved in enabling such returns.