Uyghurs in Thailand on Hunger Strike to Avoid Forced Repatriation to China

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A group of 48 Uyghurs in Thailand has entered its second week of a hunger strike, protesting against potential forced repatriation to China. The individuals, who have been detained in Thailand since fleeing Xinjiang in 2014, were part of a larger group seeking asylum but ended up in Thai custody. This protest is sparked by the recent submission of forms by Thai authorities, which the detainees believe indicate plans for a voluntary return to China.

The situation has drawn attention due to Thailand's controversial history of deporting Uyghurs. In 2015, the Thai government repatriated 109 Uyghur detainees to China, prompting international condemnation over fears of political persecution awaiting them upon return. Since then, China has reportedly intensified its crackdown on the Uyghur population, and human rights organizations claim that those deported have since disappeared without a trace.

In contrast, 170 women and children from the same group were granted asylum in Turkey in 2015. Those remaining in Thailand have faced prolonged detention, with five dying while in custody.

The Thai government maintains that there is no plan to repatriate the Uyghurs at this time. Thailand's Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reiterated the country’s commitment to adhering to international laws while managing its diplomatic relations. However, the geopolitical implications are significant; China is Thailand's largest trading partner and a vital source of tourism, placing pressure on the Thai government amid calls from international figures, including U.S. politicians, to protect the Uyghurs.

Observers note that the complexity of the diplomatic relationship between Thailand and China could heavily influence the outcome for the Uyghur detainees.

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