Bangkok: The Senate has put forward a proposal to the Thai government seeking improvements in the care of refugees, following controversial deportations of Uighurs to China. Angkana Neelapaijit, a senator, has called on the government to disclose video and audio records from the deportation process, arguing against government visits to the Uighurs in China. The Foreign Affairs Committee is also planning a visit to Uighurs in China.
According to Thai News Agency, during a Senate meeting, Mr. Mongkol Surassajja, the President of the Senate, reviewed a motion concerning the deportation of Uighurs back to China. This motion was proposed by Ms. Angkana Neelapaijit, who highlighted the negative impact of these deportations on Thailand’s credibility, especially as a member of the United Nations Security Council. Following the deportations, the European Parliament condemned Thailand with a 482-vote resolution, raising questions about the country’s actions. Furthermore, the US Secretary of State responded by suspending visas for Thai officials, citing potential human rights violations against the deported Uighurs.
Ms. Angkana questioned the benefits Thailand gained from returning the Uighurs, criticizing the government’s inconsistent communication regarding the deportations. She expressed concerns over the 11-year detention of refugees in Thailand, advocating for more humane alternatives. She also urged the construction of new detention facilities to provide better living conditions for refugees, pointing out that some detainees, including those held for over two decades, face severe human rights violations.
Senator Nirat Yoobakdi highlighted that the Foreign Affairs Committee resolved to continue monitoring the issue, recognizing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ decisions were influenced by international relations, including the Free Trade Agreement with the EU. The committee decided to defer further action to avoid escalating tensions with China, while planning a future visit to the Uighurs.
Ms. Angkana closed her motion by urging the Thai government to release evidence of the deportation process, which could help clarify Thailand’s position internationally. She emphasized the need for effective screening of foreigners entering Thailand, distinguishing between those seeking asylum and others with criminal backgrounds. She advocated for UN involvement in refugee monitoring to enhance transparency and improve the country’s human rights record.
Mr. Mongkol assured that the recommendations would be forwarded to the Cabinet, emphasizing the importance of the issue and its alignment with the mission of the Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Rights, Freedoms, and Consumer Protection.
