Thailand Deports Dozens of Uyghurs to China, Activists Say

Thailand sent back 40 “illegal immigrants” to China, Chinese state media reported, shortly after rights groups warned of the imminent repatriation of Uyghur men fleeing persecution in China.

The Uyghurs, a Muslim minority in China, could face torture and imprisonment if returned, according to rights groups. They were among over 300 Uyghur asylum seekers who escaped China in 2014.

Planning to reach Turkey via Thailand, more than 40 Uyghurs were detained in Bangkok for years. Some went on a hunger strike last month fearing deportation to China.

At 2 a.m., six trucks with covered windows left the detention center with the Uyghurs, escorted by police cars.

An unscheduled China Southern Airlines flight departed Bangkok to Kashgar in Xinjiang at 5 a.m., believed to carry deported Uyghur men, landing at noon.

Julie Millsap of No Business With Genocide stated that at least 40 men were deported despite earlier assurances from Thai authorities.

Human Rights Watch criticized Thailand for deporting the men, risking their safety in China.

Elaine Pearson of Human Rights Watch condemned the deportation, citing violations of laws and risks of torture for the Uyghurs.

Thai police and foreign ministry did not respond to inquiries about the deportation.

The Chinese report by Xinhua provided no details on the deportees, claiming the repatriation followed laws and practices.

.

Pirada Anuwech contributed reporting from Bangkok.