US Embassy alerts Americans in Thailand about violent retaliatory attacks risk following Uyghur deportations
U.S. Officials caution nationals in Thailand of possible violence after 45 Uyghurs were deported to China, citing past attacks and urging heightened vigilance in crowded areas.
The recent deportation of 45 Uyghurs from Thailand to China has sparked security concerns, leading the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to issue a warning about potential retaliatory attacks. The advisory urges Americans to remain vigilant, especially in tourist areas, citing previous violent incidents linked to similar deportations.
Thai officials maintain that the deportees agreed to return voluntarily, with assurances from China that they would not face harm. However, human rights organizations and U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have condemned the move, arguing that the Uyghurs could face persecution, forced labor, or imprisonment.
Why is the U.S. concerned about retaliatory violence?
The U.S. Embassy has cited past violent responses to similar expulsions as a reason for concern. In 2015, an improvised explosive device detonated at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine, a popular site for Chinese tourists, killing 20 people and injuring 125. The aggression was widely linked to Thailand’s extradition of Uyghur asylum seekers to China, highlighting the potential danger of such actions.
Given this history, the embassy is advising Americans in Thailand to “exercise increased caution and vigilance, especially in crowded locations frequented by tourists.” While no immediate threats have been identified, officials remain on high alert for possible security risks in response to the latest repatriations.
How are officials responding to the deportation of Uyghurs?
U.S. representatives have strongly criticized the recent exiles, warning that they may violate international agreements. “As Thailand’s longstanding ally, we are alarmed by this action, which risks running afoul of its international obligations,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He emphasized that the decision contradicts the country’s history of offering refuge to vulnerable groups.
Rubio also urged governments worldwide to prevent the forced return of East Turkestan people. “We call on Chinese authorities to provide full access to verify the well-being of the returned Uyghurs,” he stated, adding that Thai authorities must ensure their rights are protected. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy confirmed that 40 individuals were deported on a chartered flight to Xinjiang, labeling them as illegal entrants.