Commentary: By deporting Uyghurs, Thailand blinked and China got its way

Eight Years On: The Continuing Genocide and Repression of the Uyghurs in China

In January 2025, the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide released a report titled Eight Years On, China’s Repression of the Uyghurs Remains Dire: How China’s Policies in the ...

The recent deportation of more than 40 Uyghur refugees from Thailand has caused worldwide indignation and raised questions about Bangkok's geopolitical positioning between China and the West.

Commentary: By deporting Uyghurs, Thailand blinked and China got its way

Thailand’s Uyghur deportation has generated speculation over whether Bangkok – which has a longstanding and deep relationship with the United States – is drifting into China’s sphere of influence, says former foreign correspondent Nirmal Ghosh.

The Economic Development Committee invites the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explain the impact of sending Uighurs back to China, which has damaged the national economy. They urge the government to understand the European Union and recommend setting a serious strategy if they hope to pass the FTA within this year. The Chamber of Commerce representative insists that Thailand is following the…

The clergymen we met in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China said, ‘Why don’t those who lie so much and slander others come and visit like you? Let them come and see.’ We toured the cities of the Autonomous Region for 7 days and observed the historical heritage of this place on site.

Napon Jatusripitak quoted by DW: “Thailand’s Uyghur deportations: Balancing China and the West”

This article was published on 25 March 2025. Dr Napon Jatusripitak is Visiting Fellow and Acting Coordinator, Thailand Studies Programme with ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. To read the article, visit The post Napon Jatusripitak quoted by DW: “Thailand’s Uyghur deportations: Balancing China and the West” appeared first on ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.