# Thailand to Visit China to Assess Welfare of Uyghur Deportees

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/china/203192-thailand-to-visit-china-to-assess-welfare-of-uyghur-deportees
- Published: 2025-03-18T05:26:00+07:00
- Author: Bahar Karaman

**A Thai government delegation will visit China to assess the welfare of Uygur refugees
following their controversial deportation, which prompted global condemnation and
US travel sanctions on Thai officials.**

This week, a Thai government delegation will visit China to assess the welfare of
Uygur refugees following their controversial deportation that drew international
criticism and prompted US travel sanctions against local officials. Deputy Prime
Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead the delegation to Kashi city in Xinjiang,
accompanied by media representatives, as concerns about the refugees’ safety have
been raised by several countries.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last month, Thailand deported 40 Uygurs to China, citing assurances from Beijing
regarding their safety and reintegration. This visit aligns with an agreement between
Bangkok and Chinese authorities, allowing the return of the refugees after a decade
in detention.

### Related**Posts**

###  󠀁[How China’s Innovation Drives the Transformation of Thailand’s Economy](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/china/325721-how-chinas-innovation-drives-the-transformation-of-thailands-economy)󠁿

###  󠀁[Prime Minister Anutin Congratulates Nene Royal on ‘AGT’ Triumph](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/entertainment/331069-prime-minister-anutin-congratulates-nene-royal-on-agt-triumph)󠁿

###  󠀁[Thailand is rolling out a new EV tax structure linked to local manufacturing](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/329565-thailand-is-rolling-out-a-new-ev-tax-structure-linked-to-local-manufacturing)󠁿

###  󠀁[China and ASEAN trade deal speeds up business exchanges](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/329080-china-and-asean-trade-deal-speeds-up-business-exchanges)󠁿

Over 1 million Uighurs and other minority groups from Xinjiang are reportedly detained
in internment camps, where they are compelled to study Marxism, abandon their religious
beliefs, perform factory labor, and endure abuse, according to human rights organizations
and eyewitness testimonies. The Chinese government describes these “re-education
camps” as vocational training centers essential for combating extremism.

Workers walk by the perimeter fence of what is officially known as a vocational 
skills education centre in Dabancheng in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, China.
Thomas Peter / Reuters

In response to the deportation, the US State Department imposed travel restrictions
on Thai officials involved. While the specific individuals affected by these sanctions
have not been named, the policy aims to counter China’s coercive practices in returning
Uygurs. Thailand maintains a delicate balance in its foreign relations, deepening
ties with China while remaining a long-time ally of the US.