The US embassy in Bangkok has issued a security alert for its citizens in Thailand following the deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China. Similar incidents have led to violent retaliatory attacks in the past, according to the embassy.
The Thai authorities’ crackdown on the Uyghurs in 2015 led to a deadly bombing at a Bangkok shrine that killed 20 people. Although no direct link was made between the two events, two ethnic Uyghur men were arrested and their trial is ongoing.
Other countries, including Japan, have also warned their citizens of potential security risks following the deportation. The Thai foreign ministry has not commented on the issue yet.
Thailand relies heavily on tourism, with 35.5 million visitors last year, making it a significant destination for Chinese tourists as well. The international community has raised concerns about human rights and treatment of Uyghurs in China.
China denies allegations of abuse against the Uyghurs, describing them as “groundless lies.” However, UN human rights experts have warned that the deported Uyghurs would face “torture, ill-treatment, and irreparable harm” if returned.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-embassy-issues-security-alert-thailand-after-uyghurs-deportation-china-2025-02-28