The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has issued a warning to Americans in Thailand regarding potential 'violent retaliatory attacks' following the deportation of 45 Uyghurs by Thailand to China. This move has been strongly condemned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Thai authorities stated that China had provided assurances that the deported men, who had been in custody for over a decade, would not face penalties or harm. The Uyghurs reportedly returned voluntarily after being shown a translated Chinese agreement guaranteeing their normal living conditions upon repatriation.
The U.S. Embassy highlighted past instances where similar deportations led to violent retaliatory attacks, citing the 2015 deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand that resulted in a deadly bombing at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok.
Americans in Thailand are urged to exercise increased caution, especially in crowded tourist locations, due to the potential for heightened risks.
Rubio criticized the deportations, expressing concern over the lack of due process rights for Uyghurs in China and the history of persecution they have faced. He called on all governments to refrain from forcibly returning ethnic Uyghurs to China.
The Chinese Embassy confirmed the deportation of 40 Chinese nationals who had entered Thailand illegally to Xinjiang province. The men had been detained in Thailand for more than a decade due to 'complicated international factors.'
Thai lawmakers, activists, and lawyers had raised concerns prior to the deportation, with reports indicating that the men were transported to Don Mueang airport and flown to Xinjiang on a chartered flight operated by China Southern Airlines.
The U.S. Embassy and Rubio are urging Chinese authorities to ensure the well-being and human rights protection of the deported Uyghurs, while emphasizing Thailand's obligation to safeguard human rights and protect vulnerable populations.
