Thai deputy PM Phumtham visits Uyghur community in Xinjiang
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently visited the Uyghur community in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region after a return to their homeland. Phumtham apologised for their prolonged detention of 11 years, emphasising that the government had acted appropriately by reuniting them with their families.
Yesterday, March 19, Phumtham, also the defence minister, along with a media contingent, visited a Uyghur couple who had returned to Xinjiang. They were greeted warmly at their residence.
The Uyghur man expressed happiness at being home after more than 20 days. He noted significant changes in the area over the past decade, including new housing provided by the Chinese government following an earthquake in his previous location.
Phumtham inquired why the man decided to travel to Thailand. The man explained that he was persuaded by others promising a better life abroad. However, he regretted the decision, realising true happiness was at home.
Upon returning, he feared detention but was relieved to be safe. He appreciated the government’s actions and was warmly welcomed back into the community.
Now, he works as a chef in his sister’s restaurant, drawing on his previous culinary experience, while his family lives in another city.
The Uyghur man showed his ID card and household registration documents from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, indicating he would receive compensation for lost wages.
Phumtham expressed his congratulations and reiterated that Thailand had to adhere to legal obligations, which resulted in the lengthy detention. He apologised again for the difficulties faced due to the absence of any third country willing to take them in.
Phumtham noted that, despite some concerns, the Chinese government assured the safe return of their citizens, which reassured Thailand.
He wanted to personally check on their well-being and was pleased to see the individual happy. At 2.45pm, Phumtham visited the home of another large Uyghur family who also welcomed him warmly.
Regarding their departure from Xinjiang a decade ago, they were misled by extremists to leave and later feared returning due to threats of imprisonment or worse. However, upon their safe return, they found those threats were baseless and were pleased to be home.
Phumtham questioned reports of three letters seeking help to avoid returning to China. The man confirmed he never wrote such letters, only hoped to return home quickly, and noted no third countries or organisations offered assistance during the 10 years, except China.
Phumtham addressed concerns from some Thais about potential torture or unsafe conditions upon their return to China. The Uyghur man initially worried about legal repercussions but reported no issues after returning, reported KhaoSod.
Later, Phumtham invited a family member to address the Thai people. The man’s sister expressed gratitude for reuniting with her brother, likening it to an angel receiving wings. The visit was emotionally charged, with smiles and tears as families reunited, something they feared might never happen, believing they might die in Thailand.
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