The Thai government defended its decision to repatriate 40 Uyghurs to China last month, asserting that the action adhered to humanitarian principles.
Following the announcement of US visa sanctions on Friday against Thai officials involved in the deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, the Thai government released an official statement on Saturday.
The statement emphasized that the Chinese government had provided assurances to honor all commitments regarding the safety of the deported Uyghurs.
The Thai government pledged to continue monitoring the well-being of the Uyghurs, reaffirming its commitment to address international concerns about their situation.
Thailand reaffirmed its longstanding practice of providing humanitarian refuge to those fleeing to its territory, a policy it has upheld for over fifty years.
The government also expressed its intention to preserve the strong historical ties with other nations and to continue reaping mutual benefits at both bilateral and regional levels.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that visa restrictions would persist for current and former Thai officials directly involved in or complicit in the forced return of 40 Uyghurs on February 27.
While the US has previously imposed sanctions on Thailand, including suspending military aid following coups and targeting Thai individuals and entities for breaching sanctions against other nations, regional expert Murray Hiebert noted this as a rare instance of sanctions directly targeting Thai government officials.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut urged the government to uphold international human rights standards in its decision-making.
“Thailand must maintain human rights principles when making any decisions,” he stated, highlighting that sound decisions could shield Thailand from criticism or punitive measures from any side.
However, Mr. Natthaphong declined to comment on rumors that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai might be among those facing US visa sanctions.
Both officials have not yet made any statements regarding their potential involvement.
The US visa sanctions were a response to the European Parliament’s resolution on Thursday, which condemned Thailand for deporting Uyghurs to China and for issues related to its lese-majeste law.
In response, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra suggested that the government invite the EU ambassador to Thailand to discuss the Uyghur situation and foster better understanding.
The government has also indicated plans to visit China to observe firsthand the conditions of the Uyghurs following their deportation.
Mr. Natthaphong argued that any such visit must allow Thai officials to travel freely and include impartial third-party observers.
Panitan Wattanayagorn, a scholar of international relations, has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request China to verify the whereabouts of the deported Uyghurs and communicate this information to both the European Parliament and the US to alleviate concerns.
