2-3-2025 (BANGKOK) Amidst a storm of international criticism, Thailand’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ras Chaleechan, has categorically denied claims that foreign governments had offered to accept Uyghur detainees as refugees prior to their contentious return to China.
Writing on his Facebook page, “The Alternative Ambassador Returns,” Mr Chaleechan sought to counter accusations from opposition figures and human rights campaigners following Thursday’s repatriation of 40 Uyghurs who had spent over a decade in Thai immigration detention.
“I hereby affirm that no such country exists,” the Vice Foreign Minister stated, addressing allegations that the Thai government had rebuffed third-country resettlement offers to avoid diplomatic friction with Beijing.
The repatriation has drawn sharp rebuke from Western powers, with both American and British authorities expressing grave concerns about potential persecution awaiting the Uyghurs upon their return to China.
Mr Chaleechan acknowledged that one nation—widely understood to be Turkey—had indeed offered to accept some Uyghurs shortly after their initial arrest for unlawful entry 11 years ago. However, he insisted that China remained the only government to have formally requested the return of those who remained in detention.
The diplomat emphasised the necessity of proper diplomatic protocols in refugee resettlement matters, stating that such arrangements must proceed through official government channels rather than via non-governmental organisations or even the United Nations refugee agency. Rights Watch had previously condemned Thailand for the prolonged detention of the Uyghurs, arguing they should have been permitted to reunite with family members already in Turkey.
In what appears to be a nod to realpolitik considerations, Mr Chaleechan suggested that other nations’ reluctance to accept the Uyghurs stemmed from unwillingness to antagonise China. He remarked that countries worldwide—regardless of their geopolitical standing—must consider domestic political ramifications when contemplating refugee acceptance.
“Even a superpower has its own domestic political considerations, and accepting refugees is a sensitive issue that can affect a government’s popularity,” he observed, implying that practical diplomatic considerations had limited potential resettlement options for the long-detained Uyghurs.
