The deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China, despite human rights concerns, has caused deep insecurity among the Uyghur community and profound disappointment over the reluctance of democratic nations to provide them refuge for the past 11 years.
Repression against Uyghurs in East Turkistan has persisted for many years and has now reached the level of systematic genocide. As part of these repressive policies, Uyghurs face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, leaving some with no choice but to flee abroad through illegal routes.
Due to the denial of passports, 48 Uyghurs who fled the country through illegal routes were detained in Thailand and held under extremely poor conditions at the Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Center for 11 years. However, it has been reported that they were deported to China on February 27, 2025.
INTERNATIONAL APPEALS TO STOP THE DEPORTATIONS
Recently, reports had surfaced suggesting that the Thai government was preparing to deport Uyghurs to China, ignoring human rights concerns. In response, politicians from several countries, international human rights organizations, and academics criticized the Thai government and urged it to halt the deportations.
THAILAND FAILED TO KEEP ITS PROMISE
Despite promises by some senior Thai officials to consider human rights concerns and find legal solutions, 40 Uyghurs were deported to China. The Uyghurs were handed over to a China Southern Airlines flight under the escort of Chinese security forces. The plane departed from Bangkok at 04:48 on February 27 and landed at Kashgar Airport.
On the same day, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the deportation had been carried out in accordance with Thai and Chinese laws. Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Public Security claimed that the Uyghurs had been “deceived by criminal organizations” into leaving China illegally.
RISK OF IMPRISONMENT AND TORTURE
Human rights groups warn that those deported to China could face imprisonment or torture under the intense security crackdown in East Turkistan.
To date, the governments and parliaments of numerous countries have recognized the inhumane policies in East Turkistan as genocide. In 2022, the United Nations (UN) reported that the mass detentions and ideological indoctrination programs targeting Uyghurs could constitute crimes against humanity.
“UYGHURS HAVE ONCE AGAIN BEEN ABANDONED”
Speaking to The Washington Post, World Uyghur Congress Executive Director Rushan Abbas stated, “The world has once again abandoned the Uyghurs. Thailand’s decision, made under pressure from the Chinese government, sends a terrifying message that Uyghurs are not safe anywhere.”
Growing Insecurity and Disappointment Among Uyghurs
This incident has created a deep sense of insecurity among Uyghurs living abroad. In an era where human rights rhetoric is frequently emphasized, the fact that these individuals were abandoned in Thailand for 11 years and the reluctance of democratic nations to provide them refuge has deeply saddened the entire Uyghur community.
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