Thai officials are meeting a few deported Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China, following international outcry. Only five of the 40 deported will be available, while Thailand insists it acted in its best interest despite criticisms. The visit is positioned as routine under diplomatic exchanges; however, concerns regarding human rights abuses remain prevalent.
A delegation from Thailand is traveling to the Xinjiang region of China to meet a few of the 40 Uyghurs deported in February. The Thai government confirmed that only five of these individuals would be present for the meeting. The deportation took place amid international criticism, with concerns raised by UN officials regarding potential torture and ill-treatment of the Uyghurs upon their return to China.
The decision to deport the Uyghurs prompted backlash from western nations, including the United States, which imposed visa sanctions on unnamed Thai officials involved. The European Parliament also condemned the action, urging the EU to leverage trade negotiations to prevent similar events in the future. Rights organizations have accused China of systematic abuses against the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority; however, Beijing has refuted these claims and criticized external interference.
Key members of the Thai delegation include Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachai and Justice Minister Taweee Sodswong, along with military officials and media representatives. They will receive a briefing from a Xinjiang representative before visiting the Uyghurs. The trip is expected to conclude on Thursday, as Thailand maintains it has assurances from China regarding the treatment of the Uyghurs.
Phumtham indicated that Thailand would meet five of the deported Uyghurs and one individual from a previous group deported a decade ago. This latter group had initially fled China and was arrested in Thailand in 2014. Jirayu Houngsub, a government spokesperson, highlighted Thailand’s intent to clarify the situation to the world, emphasizing there was no hidden agenda in the deportation process.
The Chinese foreign ministry described the visit as a “part of normal friendly exchanges between China and Thailand.” Reports indicate that both Canada and the United States had offered to accept the returned Uyghurs, but Thailand opted not to pursue these offers for fear of straining relations with China. According to Russ Jalichandra, a Thai vice minister, the deportation aligns with the country’s interests and mitigates potential reprisals from Beijing.
The Thai delegation’s visit to China highlights the complexities of international relations regarding the Uyghur ethnic minority. Despite assurances from the Chinese government, widespread human rights concerns persist. Thailand’s decision to limit the meeting to a few individuals and its handling of western criticisms demonstrate its delicate balancing act between foreign pressures and its diplomatic ties with China. The situation continues to unfold amid ongoing debates about human rights and refugee protections.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
