Kashi: Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, insisted that the government made the correct decision to return Uyghurs to their families, as he visited Uyghur individuals in their homes in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. During his visit, he apologized for their prolonged detention and addressed queries about their situation, affirming that no third country had offered to take them back.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham, along with a media group, traveled to Kashi City to meet with Uyghurs who had returned to their homeland. He was greeted warmly by one Uyghur individual who expressed happiness at being back for over 20 days. This individual revealed that after a decade away, the country had transformed significantly, and he was grateful for the new home provided by the Chinese government following an earthquake in his previous area of residence.
Mr. Phumtham inquired about the individual’s reasons for initially leaving for Thailand. The man explained that he was invited with promises of a better life abroad, but ultimately realized that true happiness was at home. Despite initial fears of detention upon his return, he was relieved to find acceptance within his community and has since resumed work as a chef in his sister’s restaurant while his family resides in another city.
The man showed his identification documents from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and mentioned that he would receive compensation for his past salary, reinforcing his belief in the rightness of the government’s decision to facilitate the return of Uyghurs to their families.
Mr. Phumtham expressed his satisfaction at the successful return, asserting that Thailand adhered to legal obligations and apologized for the extended detention. He emphasized that no third country had agreed to take back the Uyghurs, while China assured their safety, despite global concerns. His visit aimed to witness firsthand the well-being of the returnees, reinforcing Thailand’s confidence in China’s assurances.
Later, Mr. Phumtham visited another Uyghur family, where he was welcomed by a large family eager to reunite. The man, who had left the region due to coercion by radicals, recounted feeling deceived and trapped abroad. Upon returning, he found the threats of imprisonment or harm unfounded, and he confirmed that no third party had intervened or facilitated their return, contrary to reports.
Addressing concerns regarding potential mistreatment upon the Uyghurs’ return to China, the man acknowledged his previous fears but affirmed that nothing adverse occurred. Mr. Phumtham also provided the family an opportunity to address the Thai public, where the younger sister expressed gratitude for reuniting with her brother, likening the experience to an angel gaining wings.
The visit concluded with emotional scenes as families expressed relief and joy at their reunion, dispelling fears of a permanent separation in Thailand.
