Thailand deports 40 Uyghurs amid human rights concerns

Thailand has deported 40 Uyghur detainees back to China, a move that has drawn significant criticism from human rights groups who warn that the men may face torture and imprisonment upon their return. These individuals had been held in Thailand's Immigration Detention Center for nearly 11 years after fleeing persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Despite assurances from Thai authorities that they would not be sent back to China, reports indicated that the deportation occurred early Thursday, involving police escorts and a chartered flight to Xinjiang. Rights advocates argue that this deportation violates both domestic and international law, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by Uyghurs in China, where a security clampdown persists. The Chinese government has claimed that the repatriation was conducted lawfully and necessary for combating illegal immigration, framing the detainees as illegal immigrants rather than persecuted asylum seekers. This incident has prompted concerns about the implications for U.S.-Thai relations and the safety of remaining Uyghur detainees in Thailand.