China, March 19th, 2025 — Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, along with Justice Minister Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, led a delegation of government officials and media to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.
They were briefed on China’s handling of the return of 40 Uyghurs, who had been in Thailand for over a decade detained at the Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok.
One Uyghur expressed gratitude for being allowed to return home after more than 10 years, noting that Xinjiang had developed significantly and was more livable than before.
He reportedly admitted that he was persuaded to move abroad with promises of a better life but later regretted the decision. He thanked both the Chinese and Thai governments for facilitating his return and confirmed that he was not imprisoned or mistreated upon his return.
Another Uyghur, part of a large family, shared that he realized he had been misled only after leaving Xinjiang. When he sought to return, he was threatened with imprisonment or worse, which made him hesitant. Now back home, he expressed relief and thanked the Chinese government for supporting his family’s well-being and education.
Deputy PM Phumtham apologized for the 11-year detention, explaining that Thailand had to follow legal procedures as he stated that no country agreed to accept them, although TPN media notes that some international media has disputed this. Minister Thawee affirmed that the decision to return the Uyghurs was based on legal and ethical grounds, with China guaranteeing their safety and human rights.
Chinese officials praised Thailand’s cooperation and denied allegations of mistreatment of Uyghurs, stating that Xinjiang remains open to the world.
