On March 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. local time, a meeting took place at the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region’s guest house in China. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, General Prawit Wongsuwan, accompanied by Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, led a delegation of Thai officials to discuss the Uyghurs who were repatriated from Thailand on February 27, 2023. The meeting was attended by Qi Yu, the deputy secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region’s party committee and vice minister of public security.
Qi Yu expressed his appreciation for the Thai delegation’s visit, stating that China welcomes the opportunity to showcase the repatriated Uyghurs’ well-being and safety. He emphasized that the Chinese government has been providing assistance to these individuals, enabling them to reintegrate into society. Qi Yu also mentioned that some countries have spread misinformation about the cooperation between Thailand and China, claiming it was improper. However, he stressed that the repatriation was conducted in accordance with international law and the laws of both countries.
The Thai delegation then visited the repatriated Uyghurs, who expressed gratitude for the Thai government’s decision to send them back to China. One of the Uyghurs, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that he had been misled by others into leaving China, but now feels a sense of relief and happiness upon his return. He also expressed his appreciation for the Chinese government’s support and care.
The Thai officials also met with another Uyghur, who had been repatriated in 2015. He shared his experiences, stating that he had been deceived into leaving China but was now living a normal life. He had gotten married, had a child, and was receiving a monthly salary of 5,400 yuan. He assured the Thai officials that his life was better now than it was before and that he was grateful for the Chinese government’s assistance.
During the visit, General Prawit Wongsuwan and Minister Somsak Thepsuthin had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversations with the repatriated Uyghurs. The officials were able to observe the Uyghurs’ living conditions and see firsthand the support they were receiving from the Chinese government.
In a press conference, Minister Somsak Thepsuthin stated that the visit was a testament to the Thai government’s commitment to upholding human rights and dignity. He emphasized that the repatriation of the Uyghurs was done in accordance with international law and the laws of both countries, and that the Thai government had taken into consideration the well-being and safety of the individuals involved.
The visit concluded with a video conference between the Thai officials and six Uyghurs who had been repatriated from Thailand. The Uyghurs expressed their gratitude for the Thai government’s decision to send them back to China and assured the officials that they were living normal lives. One of the Uyghurs stated, “Everything is fine, don’t worry.” The video conference also included a conversation with a Uyghur who was recovering from an illness, who also expressed his gratitude for the Chinese government’s care and support.
The visit was seen as a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Thailand and China, as well as a demonstration of the Thai government’s commitment to upholding human rights and dignity. The repatriation of the Uyghurs was a complex issue, but the Thai government’s decision to send them back to China was made with the intention of ensuring their safety and well-being. The visit showcased the Chinese government’s efforts to support the repatriated Uyghurs and provide them with the necessary care and assistance to reintegrate into society.
