By Uyghur Times Staff
January 18, 2024
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reaffirmed on Thursday that Thailand would adhere to human rights and international law in addressing the case of 48 Uyghur refugees who have been detained since 2013, reports Thai’s Nation website.
Phumtham emphasized that Thailand has not deported any Uyghur to China over the past decade. However, he noted that since the 48 Uyghurs entered Thailand unlawfully, their status must be handled under Thai law.
The remaining 48 Uyghurs have now spent over a decade in detention under dire conditions, suffering from poor hygiene, inadequate medical care, and the constant fear of being sent to China. Uyghur groups reported that five Uyghur detainees, including a newborn and a three-year-old child, have died in custody since 2014.
Uyghurs and their allies worldwide have launched a large social media campaign, organized protests, and engaged in direct communications with the UN, EU, and Thai government, urging Thailand not to deport Uyghurs to China.
In a petition initiated by Uyghur groups on Change.org, more than 6,000 signatories urged Thailand not to deport the Uyghur detainees to China. Link to petition.
Nearly 200 scholars across 21 countries signed a statement of concern regarding the Uyghur detainees in Thailand.
Phumtham acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that Thailand must balance its sovereignty, human rights obligations, and international treaties. He reassured that “no one will be sent back to danger” and stressed that the matter should be handled discreetly rather than through the media.
His comments came a day after the Senate’s human rights committee announced plans to meet with him to discuss the government’s approach to the Uyghur detainees.
However, Uyghur activists warn that the threat of deportation remains imminent. Emily Upson, a scholar and supporter of Uyghur human rights, stated on X:
“IMMINENT RISK OF DEPORTATION for the 48 Uyghur men arbitrarily detained in Thailand continues.This risk has not gone away. We continue asking partners to continue advocating. We are scared of deportation between now and diplomatic visits February 5th.”
Rushan Abbas, the Chair of the WUC Executive Committee | Exec.Dir. of @CUyghurs:
“If Thailand is committed to human rights & international law, it must immediately release the Uyghur refugees and facilitate their safe resettlement. They have suffered more than a decade of detention in inhumane conditions, deprived of medical care, and lived in constant fear of being deported to China.”