Thai Delegation Visits Uyghurs to Address Mistreatment Concerns in China
A Thai delegation visited China’s Xinjiang region to address concerns over the treatment of 40 Uyghurs deported from Thailand last month. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra seeks to reassure the public amid international backlash and accusations against Beijing regarding Uyghur abuses. Despite Western nations’ offers to resettle Uyghurs, Thailand remains cautious about its relationship with China.
A Thai delegation, consisting of officials and media, visited China’s Xinjiang region to address concerns regarding the treatment of 40 Uyghurs deported from Thailand last month. This visit stemmed from the Thai government’s aim to reassure the public, as stated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a press briefing in Bangkok. The deportation was carried out in secrecy and received backlash from Western nations, particularly resulting in U.S. visa sanctions against unnamed Thai officials.
Rights organizations allege that Beijing is committing widespread abuses against the Uyghur population, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group numbering approximately 10 million in Xinjiang. Nevertheless, Beijing firmly denies these accusations and claims that Western countries are spreading misinformation. The Thai government justified the deportation by stating that the 40 Uyghurs had remained in detention for a decade and asserted that they had received assurances regarding the safety of the deportees from the Chinese government.
Despite reports indicating that Canada and the United States offered to resettle the Uyghurs deported to China, Thailand has expressed concerns about upsetting China and claims they yet to receive any concrete offers. The group of 40 deportees was part of a larger contingent of 300 Uyghurs who fled China and were detained in Thailand in 2014, with some being sent to Turkey while others remained in custody until the recent deportation.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn welcomed inquiries, stating, “If any country wants anything more or wants clarity, we are happy to provide it … there is nothing we cannot disclose. It only depends on time.” However, the Thai government announced that only five of the deported Uyghurs would be available for the delegation during their visit. Meanwhile, Chinese officials characterized the repatriation as standard law enforcement cooperation, ensuring that the rights of those affected adhered to international laws.
According to Thailand’s defense ministry, most of the deported Uyghurs have already returned home, while a few remain hospitalized for prior health issues. The Thai delegation, joined by Chinese public security officials, was expected to divide into two groups: one group would visit Uyghur returnees at their residences near Kashgar, while the other would communicate with Uyghurs located further away through video calls and visit local communities, mosques, and Islamic leaders.
The Thai government’s delegation to Xinjiang aims to address international concerns regarding the treatment of deported Uyghurs and to emphasize their commitment to ensuring the safety of these individuals post-deportation. Despite attempts to reassure the public and international communities, the ongoing allegations of abuses against Uyghurs continue to challenge the narrative, prompting ongoing scrutiny of Thailand’s diplomatic approach.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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