18-3-2025 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra admitted yesterday she remains unaware if she personally faces travel restrictions to the United States, following Washington’s announcement of visa limitations for Thai officials involved in the recent deportation of Uyghurs to China.

“I don’t know yet,” the Thai leader candidly told journalists when questioned about her potential inclusion in the restrictive measures. She expressed optimism that bilateral relations would improve once diplomatic channels had been properly engaged, suggesting that “no serious impacts were likely” to emerge from the current tension.

The diplomatic friction arose after Thailand’s controversial decision on 27 February to deport 40 Uyghurs to China, prompting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to publicly condemn the action last Friday. The Thai government has defended its position, claiming it had maintained custody of the group for years whilst no nations had presented “concrete intentions” to accommodate them.

Prior to Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Shinawatra confirmed she had tasked the Foreign Ministry with explaining Thailand’s stance on the deportations to American counterparts. She emphasised that her administration was merely fulfilling its “administrative duties” and maintained that Thailand harbours “no issues with the US.”

Washington has consistently criticised Beijing’s treatment of the Uyghur minority, alleging they face torture and forced disappearances upon return to Chinese territory. The White House accuses China of pressuring other nations to repatriate Uyghurs against their will.

According to the Thai government, officials will travel to Xinjiang this week to monitor the well-being of the deported individuals, as previously negotiated during the repatriation process. This arrangement has done little to quell international criticism of Thailand’s decision.