Thailand uncertain on US visa ban after Uyghur deportation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed uncertainty regarding her inclusion on a list of Thai officials recently barred from obtaining US visas following the deportation of 40 Uyghur detainees to China. Addressing the media yesterday, March 18, she said, “There’s no confirmation yet. I still don’t know.”
The 38 year old PM explained that the Foreign Affairs Ministry would further clarify the situation.
She emphasised that Thailand harbours no divisive issues with the United States and was fulfilling its legal obligations in repatriating the ethnic group after their lengthy detention in Thailand.
She downplayed potential repercussions of the move.
“We will discuss the matter, but it’s not serious.”
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong defended the deportation decision, referencing multiple complaints from the Immigration Bureau and concerns over potential breaches of anti-torture and enforced disappearance laws.
He highlighted Thailand’s careful navigation of legal constraints to ensure the deportees would not face mistreatment or execution upon their return to China.
“The Thai government has secured diplomatic assurances from China guaranteeing humane treatment for the deported individuals and allowing Thai officials to visit them later to monitor their situation.”
Tawee affirmed that Thailand was complying with both domestic and international legal obligations while aiming to uphold human rights standards.
Pol. Col. Tawee will visit Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang region today alongside other officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, deputy national police chief Police General Kraibun Thuadsong, and government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, to assess the wellbeing of the deported Uyghurs, reported Bangkok Post.
When questioned about the possibility of the US reversing its visa restrictions if evidence of the deportees’ wellbeing in China is presented, Pol. Col.
Tawee remarked that the visit to China and the visa ban are separate issues. He noted that the US Embassy’s statement does not indicate an outright visa ban.
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