Thaksin - you know, Thailand's real Prime Minister, says USA and other countries did not offer the Uyghurs refuge, as they claim. I'm not sure how he would know or whether he is correct.
I am also not sure, even after reading the lame excuses, why after 11 years living in Thailand it suddenly became necessary to deport them. I wonder who was really behind it - and why. Someone had to be the first to say they need to be deported.
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Ex-PM shrugs off US visa move
by Chairith Yonpiam
March 19, 2025
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra downplayed the visa sanctions imposed by the US against Thai officials over their role in deporting at least 40 Uyghurs to China last month.
He said on Monday the US authorities acted on outdated information and insisted that the deportation was lawful and in line with international and humanitarian principles.
According to Thaksin, the Uyghurs had been detained for illegal entry for 11 years, and no country had stepped forward to offer them refuge.
"The US and Europe didn't offer them shelter either. Their country of origin was China, and with China assuring that they wouldn't face prosecution after their return, they should have been reunited with their families," he said.
When asked how to persuade the US to reassess its stance, the former premier said the US already understands the situation, but international politics can be complex. The US sanctions followed a European Parliament resolution condemning Thailand over the deportation of the Uyghurs and issues related to the lese majeste law.
He said the government would use diplomatic channels to resolve the issue and noted that while the European Parliament condemned Thailand over the matter, free trade talks continued.
"There's nothing to be alarmed about. If I'm not worried, don't be worried either," he said.
Thaksin brushed off concerns that the US visa sanctions could affect Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra or cabinet ministers.
"That isn't a problem. Nothing is permanent. If they don't understand, we clarify it. There's nothing to worry about," he said.
When asked if a visit would be required to address the matter, he said that talks could take place at various levels and there were many channels for dialogue.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Monday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the concerns about the deportation of Uyghurs.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... -visa-move
USA imposes visa sanctions against Thai officials responsible for Uighur deportation
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Re: USA imposes visa sanctions against Thai officials responsible for Uighur deportation
Here is the Chinese response to Rubio's sanctions. It reminds me of when I was a child and got caught doing something, I would try to get out of it by saying "He did it too". Never worked . . .
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China condemns US interference in Sino-Thai cooperation
by THE NATION
March 18, 2025
The US has no right to criticise Thailand for repatriation of Chinese nationals, Chinese FM says
The United States has no right to interfere with the cooperation between China and Thailand as the two sovereign nations continue to crack down on human smuggling and other cross-border crimes, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.
She added that such cooperation is in line with the domestic laws of both countries as well as international law and common practices.
The remark came in response to moves by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced on Friday sanctions that include visa restrictions for Thai government officials involved in the deportation cooperation.
Noting the 40 Chinese nationals, under “wrong influence”, illegally crossed the border and ended up stranded in Thailand, where they were detained for over a decade, Mao said the Chinese government has the obligation and responsibility to protect its citizens and help them reunite with their families and resume normal lives.
By politicising this issue, the United States is applying double standards and trying to suppress others, Mao said, adding the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported the removal of over 270,000 non-citizens to 192 different countries during the 2024 fiscal year, marking the highest level of deportations since 2014.
The United States on the one hand engages in indiscriminate deportation against illegal immigrants, yet on the other points fingers at and smears other countries' legitimate law enforcement cooperation, and slaps sanctions and puts pressure on others, said the spokesperson. “This is typical bullying.”
Mao said China strongly condemns all ill-intentioned vilification and illegal sanctions against China and Thailand, and firmly opposes the United States’ manipulation of Xinjiang-related issues under the pretext of human rights, interfering in China’s domestic affairs, and disrupting the normal law enforcement cooperation between China and relevant countries.
“China will continue to enhance communication and coordination with relevant countries on the basis of mutual respect and equal-footed consultation, protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and work for stronger international law enforcement cooperation," Mao said.
The spokesperson did not mention that the 40 persons repatriated to China last month were of Uyghur ethnicity.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/world/40047539
_________________________________________________
China condemns US interference in Sino-Thai cooperation
by THE NATION
March 18, 2025
The US has no right to criticise Thailand for repatriation of Chinese nationals, Chinese FM says
The United States has no right to interfere with the cooperation between China and Thailand as the two sovereign nations continue to crack down on human smuggling and other cross-border crimes, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.
She added that such cooperation is in line with the domestic laws of both countries as well as international law and common practices.
The remark came in response to moves by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced on Friday sanctions that include visa restrictions for Thai government officials involved in the deportation cooperation.
Noting the 40 Chinese nationals, under “wrong influence”, illegally crossed the border and ended up stranded in Thailand, where they were detained for over a decade, Mao said the Chinese government has the obligation and responsibility to protect its citizens and help them reunite with their families and resume normal lives.
By politicising this issue, the United States is applying double standards and trying to suppress others, Mao said, adding the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported the removal of over 270,000 non-citizens to 192 different countries during the 2024 fiscal year, marking the highest level of deportations since 2014.
The United States on the one hand engages in indiscriminate deportation against illegal immigrants, yet on the other points fingers at and smears other countries' legitimate law enforcement cooperation, and slaps sanctions and puts pressure on others, said the spokesperson. “This is typical bullying.”
Mao said China strongly condemns all ill-intentioned vilification and illegal sanctions against China and Thailand, and firmly opposes the United States’ manipulation of Xinjiang-related issues under the pretext of human rights, interfering in China’s domestic affairs, and disrupting the normal law enforcement cooperation between China and relevant countries.
“China will continue to enhance communication and coordination with relevant countries on the basis of mutual respect and equal-footed consultation, protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and work for stronger international law enforcement cooperation," Mao said.
The spokesperson did not mention that the 40 persons repatriated to China last month were of Uyghur ethnicity.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/world/40047539
Re: USA imposes visa sanctions against Thai officials responsible for Uighur deportation
I still think the Thai government may have made the right decision. China only started the crackdown after trouble caused by the Uighurs. According to one BBC documentary, it really kicked off when terrorist attacks disrupted a visit to the region by Mr Xi.
Who wants to import that kind of problem ?
In the UK, I think most voters would be delighted if we had a government that deported all the unwanted, ungrateful & often fraudulent refugees. Some of whom have been involved in terrorist activities here.
The US has voted for a regime that's doing something about the problem.
In Germany, the AFD are gaining ground. I would trace that back to Mrs Merkel's open door policy for middle eastern refugees. Some of whom have been causing severe problems, including conducting terrorist attacks.
Who wants to import that kind of problem ?
In the UK, I think most voters would be delighted if we had a government that deported all the unwanted, ungrateful & often fraudulent refugees. Some of whom have been involved in terrorist activities here.
The US has voted for a regime that's doing something about the problem.
In Germany, the AFD are gaining ground. I would trace that back to Mrs Merkel's open door policy for middle eastern refugees. Some of whom have been causing severe problems, including conducting terrorist attacks.