US Embassy Warns Americans in Bangkok of Potential Retaliatory Attacks Following Uyghur Deportations to China
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has issued a warning to American citizens residing in or traveling to Thailand, cautioning them about the potential for violent retaliatory attacks following the deportation of 45 Uyghurs from Thailand to China. The deportations, which occurred on Friday, have been strongly condemned by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the deported individuals upon their return to China.
Thai authorities, including police and security officials, have stated that they received assurances from China that the deported Uyghurs would not face penalties or be harmed. During a press conference held on Thursday, officials claimed that all of the deported individuals voluntarily returned to China after being shown a translated Chinese agreement requesting their repatriation and guaranteeing their ability to live normally. However, the U.S. Embassy remains concerned about the potential for retaliatory violence, citing similar deportations in the past that have resulted in attacks.
The embassy’s warning highlights the precedent set by the 2015 deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand, which was followed by a devastating bombing at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. This shrine, a popular destination for Chinese tourists, was targeted with improvised explosive devices, resulting in the tragic deaths of 20 people and injuries to 125 others. The U.S. Embassy is now urging Americans in Thailand to exercise increased caution and vigilance, particularly in crowded areas frequented by tourists, where the risk of collateral damage is heightened.
In a separate development, a 37-year-old American female tourist has been reported missing during a jet ski ride in Thailand, further heightening concerns about the safety and security of Americans in the country.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has vehemently condemned the deportations, describing them as a forced return of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where they are likely to face persecution, forced labor, and torture, and where they lack due process rights. Rubio emphasized the strong alliance between the United States and Thailand and expressed alarm over Thailand’s actions, suggesting that they may violate international obligations under the U.N. Convention Against Torture and the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
"As Thailand’s longstanding ally, we are alarmed by this action, which risks running afoul of its international obligations under the U.N. Convention Against Torture and the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance," Rubio stated. He further criticized the deportations as inconsistent with Thailand’s commitment to protect human rights and its longstanding tradition of providing protection to vulnerable populations.
Rubio has called upon all governments in countries where Uyghurs seek protection to refrain from forcibly returning them to China. He has also urged Chinese authorities to grant full access to verify the well-being of the returned Uyghurs on a regular basis. Additionally, Rubio has emphasized the need for the Thai government to continuously verify that Chinese authorities protect the human rights of the deported Uyghurs.
The deportations have also drawn criticism from Thai lawmakers, activists, and lawyers, who raised concerns on Wednesday that the men were about to be deported. According to the Associated Press, trucks with black sheets covering their windows left Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Center after midnight, where the Uyghurs had been held. The news agency reported that the trucks appeared to have transported the deported individuals to Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport, where a China Southern Airlines plane was waiting to fly them to Xinjiang province, the heartland of China’s Uyghur population in northwestern China.
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok issued a statement on Facebook acknowledging the deportation of 40 Chinese nationals who it claimed had entered Thailand illegally. The embassy stated that the deported individuals were flown to Xinjiang on a chartered flight and had been detained in Thailand for over 10 years due to "complicated international factors."
The situation remains fluid and uncertain, with the U.S. Embassy continuing to monitor the situation and provide guidance to American citizens in Thailand. The potential for retaliatory attacks underscores the volatile nature of the region and the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings. The forced deportation of the Uyghurs to China raises significant human rights concerns, and the international community is closely watching the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of those who have been returned.
The U.S. Embassy is providing updated travel advisories and safety recommendations to Americans in Thailand through its website and social media channels. Americans are encouraged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the embassy to contact them in case of an emergency.
The deportations and the subsequent warning from the U.S. Embassy highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The safety and security of American citizens remain a top priority, and the embassy is taking all necessary measures to ensure their well-being in light of the potential threats.
