By 
31-01-2025
Valentina Stivanello-Gussoni
Southeast Asia & Pacific Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
The Uyghurs are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group primarily from the Xinjiang region of China [2]. Thailand is facing renewed criticism over its handling of Uyghur refugees, as reports indicate that authorities may forcibly return them to China, where they risk persecution. Human Rights Watch has urged Thai officials to halt any deportations, warning that those sent back could face imprisonment, torture, and other severe human rights violations [1]. The organisation also called on Thailand to uphold its international obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may suffer harm [1].
Thailand’s treatment of Uyghur asylum seekers has been criticised before. In 2015, Thai authorities deported over 100 Uyghur refugees to China, prompting international outcry after reports emerged of their mistreatment [1]. In China, many Uyghurs face severe repression, including arbitrary detention in so-called ‘reeducation camps’ in the Xinjiang region [3]. Multiple human rights organisations have condemned these camps as sites of widespread and systematic abuses [2] [3].
Currently, dozens of Uyghur men, women, and children are reportedly being held in Thai immigration detention centres in poor conditions, with limited access to legal representation or the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) [1]. Human Rights Watch has also urged Thailand to grant UNHCR access to the detainees and assess their right to seek asylum [1].
As international pressure mounts, Thailand’s actions will be closely watched. The United Nations and various human rights groups are pressing Bangkok to commit to protecting Uyghur refugees and preventing another mass deportation, which could lead to grave humanitarian consequences [1].
Sources and Further Readings:
[1] Human Rights Watch (January 17th, 2025), Thailand: Don’t Send Uyghurs to China. Consulted on January 30th. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/01/17/thailand-dont-send-uyghurs-china.
[2] U.S. Department of State (June 2021), Forced Labor in China’s Xinjiang Region. Consulted on January 30th. Retrieved from https://www.state.gov/forced-labor-in-chinas-xinjiang-region/.
[3] U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (October 2024), Uyghur Genocide and Concentrated Reeducation Camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China. Consulted on January 30th. Retrieved from https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/NIC-Unclassified-Report-Uyghur-Genocide-Concentrated-Reeducation-Camps-China-Oct2024.pdf.
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