A group of 48 Uighurs in Thailand has been on a hunger strike for over ten days, protesting their possible deportation to China. They are among a larger group that fled Xinjiang in 2014, with a controversial deportation of 109 Uighurs occurring in 2015. Despite claims by Thai officials of no imminent deportation plans, the situation remains tense, influenced by Thailand’s economic ties with China amid a backdrop of deteriorating international relations.
Uighurs in Thailand: A Hunger Strike for Freedom
For over ten days now, a group of Uighurs in Thailand has been engaging in a hunger strike to protest their impending deportation to China. Currently, there are 48 Uighurs held in Thai custody, part of a larger group of more than 300 who fled the Xinjiang province in 2014. Initially, these individuals sought to travel to other countries, but the Thai authorities detained them, including families, during their transit.
The Dark History of Deportations
In 2015, Thailand controversially deported 109 Uighurs back to Xinjiang, igniting a significant backlash from human rights advocates who feared for their safety due to potential political persecution. This occurred prior to the global awareness of the Chinese internment camps that emerged later. For years, China has maintained a strict policy in Xinjiang, claiming to combat rising Islamist extremism while allegedly subjecting the Uighur Muslim minority to “re-education” in camps. Human rights organizations report that there has been no trace of the Uighurs deported from Thailand in 2015.
The current group of 48 Uighurs represents those who remain in custody. In contrast to the 170 women and children who successfully fled to Turkey for asylum in 2015, the remaining men have endured years of imprisonment, with five reported deaths, including two children.
The hunger strike began in mid-January when the Thai authorities presented the detainees with forms that seemed to require their consent for voluntary repatriation to China. Activists report that this process mirrors the events leading up to the 2015 deportations.
Despite the escalating tension, Thai officials have denied any plans for deportation. Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reassured the public that they would adhere to international laws, stating that they aim to avoid creating issues for both Thailand and other nations. The Thai government also refutes claims that the Uighurs are on hunger strike.
Thailand has shown a clear stance against being a refuge for international dissidents in recent years, highlighted by the deportation of Cambodian activists and the tragic murder of a Cambodian opposition figure in Bangkok. However, the situation of the Uighurs remains particularly sensitive. Following the deportations in 2015, protests erupted at the Thai consulate in Istanbul. Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced his opposition to any potential deportation of the Uighurs, pledging to advocate for their rights in the Senate. Nevertheless, China’s influence may ultimately dictate the outcome of this situation.
China stands as Thailand’s most significant trading partner, far surpassing Japan and the United States. The influx of Chinese tourists is crucial for Thailand’s tourism-driven economy, which has been struggling. Consequently, the Thai government is keen on strengthening ties with China through initiatives like eased visa regulations and the establishment of Chinese manufacturing plants.
Since the military coup in 2014, Thailand has found itself increasingly isolated on the international stage, with Western nations, including the U.S., distancing themselves from the military-led government. However, relations with China have remained stable, with Beijing continuing to engage with the military rulers. Following the 2023 elections, Thailand has sought to broaden its diplomatic relationships, engaging with leaders from China, Russia, and the U.S.
The ongoing negotiations regarding the purchase of a Chinese submarine for the Thai Navy further illustrate the stronghold of Chinese influence in Thailand. Originally ordered under military leadership, the submarine deal faced complications due to an EU arms embargo, but now it is set to proceed with Chinese engines, indicating China’s pressure and Thailand’s compliance.
The implications of this geopolitical dynamic for the Uighurs currently detained in Thailand will soon become evident, as their fate hangs in the balance amid these international relations.