The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) also condemned Thailand’s actions, accusing it of complicity in China’s systematic repression of Uyghurs…reports Asian Lite News
The United States has strongly criticised Thailand for forcibly deporting 40 Uyghur refugees to China, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the move alarming and urging Thailand to ensure their rights and dignity are protected.
In a statement on X, Rubio said, “Thailand forcibly returned a group of Uyghurs to China. As a longstanding ally of Thailand, we are alarmed by this action, which runs afoul of its international obligations.” He further urged the Thai government to verify that the deported Uyghurs are not subjected to mistreatment.
The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) also condemned Thailand’s actions, accusing it of complicity in China’s systematic repression of Uyghurs. According to the ETGE, a China Southern Airlines flight (CSN5246) was documented on 27 February 2025, transferring the Uyghurs from Bangkok to Kashgar, a region in Xinjiang referred to by Uyghur groups as East Turkistan.
“This direct transfer is irrefutable proof that the Thai government is actively collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in its genocide and crimes against humanity against the Uyghur people,” the ETGE stated.
This is not the first time Thailand has assisted China in such actions. In 2015, more than 100 Uyghur refugees were deported to China, many of whom later disappeared, were imprisoned, or executed.
ETGE President Mamtimin Ala condemned Thailand’s role, saying, “By handing innocent Uyghur refugees to a regime committing genocide, Thailand has stained its hands with the blood of the Uyghur people and must face immediate consequences.”
The organisation has urged the international community, human rights groups, and global leaders to hold Thailand accountable, warning that without decisive action, Uyghur refugees in other countries will remain at risk. It called for sanctions, diplomatic consequences, and urgent intervention to prevent further forced deportations.
