Thai delegation to visit deported Uyghurs in China

This week, a Thai delegation will visit a group of 40 recently deported Uyghur men in Xinjiang, China.

Last month, the government of Thailand deported a group of forty Uyghurs for alleged illegal entry into the country. Thai diplomats claimed that deportation was “the best solution” to prevent backlash from China. In response, the United States Department of State recently sanctioned travel restrictions on Thai diplomats. Amid this controversy the Thai delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Wechayachai, will visit the deported Uyghurs to demonstrate Thailand’s continued commitment to humanitarianism. As per the agreement between Thailand and China, today will be the first of many visits to check on the Uyghurs and ensure China’s compliance with human rights.

The agreed-upon terms of repatriation and this week’s diplomatic visit signify a strengthening bilateral relationship between Beijing and Bangkok. In Southeast Asia’s strategic competition, Thailand will likely continue to face mounting yet countervailing pressure from the United States and China going forward. For the rest of the world, last month’s deportation reflects an abiding concern for the Uyghur population and human rights in Xinjiang. China, on the other hand, has continued to deny accusations of human rights violations and assured Thailand of the deportees’ well-being. The persisting controversy surrounding Thailand’s decision and subsequent third-party sanction from the United States indicate an unprecedented escalation of the issue of the Uyghurs and a willingness to act in the future.