Dozens of Uyghurs have been deported from Thailand to China, despite warnings from human rights experts that they face a high risk of torture, enforced disappearance, and imprisonment. Local media reported that several trucks with covered windows were seen leaving the Bangkok immigration center where 48 Uyghurs had been held for over a decade. An unscheduled China Southern Airlines flight from Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport later landed in Kashgar, China. A video online showed handcuffed men being escorted off the plane. Thai deputy premier Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the deportation, stating that China assured Thailand the 40 Chinese Uyghurs returned would be looked after. China’s government announced the repatriation of the group, claiming it was in line with the laws of both countries and international practice. However, the group was not mentioned as Uyghurs, and many social media commenters presumed they were linked to scam farms. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed criticisms from “so-called human rights advocates” and stated that all ethnic groups in China enjoy rights and freedoms as citizens. The 48 detainees were among hundreds of Uyghurs who fled China in 2013-2014, hoping to be resettled in Turkey. In 2014, 109 were forcibly sent back to China, prompting global outrage. The rest have remained in Thai custody for a decade, with some detainees dying during that period. China faces accusations of human rights abuses, including the incarceration of around 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The UN has found the crackdown to possibly amount to crimes against humanity, which China denies. Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, fear the returned group now faces a high risk of torture, enforced disappearance, and long-term imprisonment in China. They say Thailand’s actions violate its obligations under domestic and international laws. UN experts had previously urged Thailand to halt the deportation, warning of irreparable harm if the detainees were returned. Chinese officials claimed relatives of the group had requested their return, stating it was a reflection of China’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights. However, many relatives of the Uyghurs have pleaded with authorities not to return them to China, fearing persecution and violations of their rights. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the countries. Experts suggest that past deportees have been jailed indefinitely, and there is little hope for fair treatment for the 40 individuals deported.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/27/thailand-deports-dozens-of-uyghurs-to-china-despite-torture-fears