The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has issued a warning to American citizens, highlighting the potential for “violent retaliatory attacks” following the deportation of 45 Uyghurs from Thailand to China. This move was sharply criticized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who condemned the deportations as a serious violation of both human rights and international obligations.
Thai authorities have indicated that China assured them the deported men would not face punishment or harm. Officials reported that the Uyghurs voluntarily agreed to return to China after seeing a translated document from the Chinese government promising normal living conditions upon their return.
However, the U.S. Embassy has expressed concerns over past deportations, which have led to violent incidents. One notable case occurred in 2015, when a bombing in Bangkok killed 20 people after the deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand. In light of this, the embassy is advising Americans in Thailand to be more vigilant and cautious, particularly in tourist areas where crowds gather.
Rubio also emphasized the troubling nature of this deportation, labeling it a forced return to a country where Uyghurs have faced severe persecution, including forced labor and torture. As a crucial ally, Thailand’s actions have raised alarms over its commitment to human rights and international standards.
In a statement, Rubio called on governments to refrain from sending Uyghurs back to China and urged Chinese authorities to ensure the safety and rights of those returned. He stressed the importance of Thailand closely monitoring the situation to guarantee the human rights of the Uyghurs are respected.
The deported Uyghurs had been held in Thai custody for over ten years, and their departure was marked by trucks leaving a detention center for Don Mueang airport, where they boarded a flight to Xinjiang, the location of China’s Uyghur population.
The Thai government’s decision has drawn significant attention from lawmakers and human rights advocates, who fear it will set a concerning precedent and further endanger vulnerable populations.
