The U.S. has enacted visa sanctions against Thai officials for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China, where they risk torture. This decision has garnered international condemnation and underscores the U.S. stance against China’s treatment of Uyghurs, which is classified as genocide. The measures reflect rising tensions between the U.S. and Thailand despite their historical alliance.
On March 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa sanctions against specific Thai officials involved in the deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China. This action follows global condemnation, including from the United States, European Union, and United Nations, due to fears that these individuals will face torture amid what has been described as an ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs.
These Uyghurs had been detained in Thailand since their escape from Chinese persecution in 2014. Rubio stated that the visa bans would target Thai officials who played a role in the forced return, emphasizing the threat of torture and enforced disappearances they face in China. He urged other nations not to carry out such deportations.
In addition to the targeted officials, some family members may also face travel bans to the United States. The State Department did not provide details on the number of officials affected by this measure and generally refrains from disclosing individual names due to privacy regulations. Since 2021, the U.S. has classified China’s actions against Uyghurs as genocide, accusing Chinese authorities of employing torture and forced sterilization.
This situation marks a rare discord between the U.S. and Thailand, traditionally strong allies. Following the deportation on February 27, U.S. officials sought to resettle the Uyghurs in either the United States or another location, but Thai officials opted to return them to avoid potential economic repercussions from China. Rubio had previously expressed confidence in utilizing U.S.-Thailand relations to ensure the Uyghurs’ safety.
Rushan Abbas, from the World Uyghur Congress, commended the imposition of visa bans, arguing that it underscores accountability for those implicated in the deportations. She highlighted that returning Uyghurs to China often results in severe consequences, including torture and forced labor, reinforcing the message that international complicity with Chinese policies will bear repercussions.
The recent U.S. sanctions on Thai officials serve as a strong rebuke of the deportation of Uyghurs to China, a move met with global disapproval. Secretary Rubio’s statements reinforce the United States’ commitment to human rights and highlight the dangers faced by deported Uyghurs. The tensions between the U.S. and Thailand reflect the complexities of international relations amid issues of human rights. The consequences of these actions may discourage future compliance with China’s deportation policies.
Original Source: www.benarnews.org
