Thailand deports 40 Uyghurs to China despite global outcry

Thailand has deported 40 Uyghurs to China, ignoring warnings from the U.S., the U.N., and rights groups.

The men, held in Thailand since 2014, feared torture upon return.

Activists reported several trucks leaving a Bangkok detention center early Thursday, heading to the airport.

A flight tracking app later showed a plane landing in Chinese-occupied East Turkestan, commonly called Xinjiang.

Thai officials initially refused to confirm the deportation.

Later, police Chief Kitrat Penphet admitted that 40 people had been sent back.

China also confirmed the deportation but called them “illegal immigrants.”

The U.S. criticized Thailand’s actions, urging respect for non-refoulement, a law preventing forced deportations to danger.

Rights groups called it a violation of international and Thai laws.

Opposition lawmaker Kannavee Suebsang demanded answers, calling the move a human rights violation.

A Thai court had been reviewing a petition to free the detained Uyghurs.

A hearing is set for March.

However, the deportations happened before a decision.

In 2015, Thailand sent 109 Uyghurs back to China, sparking global criticism.