The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 March 2025 issued a statement in response to the policy announced by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March after the recent repatriation of a group of Uyghurs to China.

In the statement, the Thai government notes the policy announced by the U.S. Department of State on 14 March 2025 and, in this regard, the Thai government has received assurances from the government of China concerning the safety of the Uyghurs and will continue to follow up on the well-being of this group. 

The Thai government has also clarified this matter on many occasions with countries that have concerns. Thailand has always upheld a long tradition of humanitarianism, particularly in providing assistance to displaced persons from various countries, for more than half a century and will continue to do so.

Thailand has always and will continue to value the long-standing and close treaty alliance with the United States, based on mutual respect and shared strategic interests both at the bilateral and regional levels.

Previously, the Government held a press conference on 27 February at the Ministry of Justice regarding the repatriation of Uyghur Chinese nationals. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai led the press conference.

The key points were that prior to the recent repatriation of the Uyghur group from Thailand to China, the Thai government had received an official request to repatriate this group of 40 ethnic Uyghur Chinese nationals. The request was accompanied by clear assurances from the Chinese government for their safety upon their return to China.

These assurances included not only a guarantee of their safety, but a guarantee that no legal action would be taken against this group. Instead, the Chinese government would facilitate health checkups, a reunion with their families and relatives, and appropriate reintegration into society, allocating a budget for their housing and guaranteeing employment.

Thailand has had to take care of this group, in accordance with its immigration laws (as is the practice for all countries), for over 10 years. This lengthy detention was not sustainable nor tenable for this group, which had suffered far too long in detention.

Therefore, once a formal request was received, the Thai government, through a meeting of the National Security Council, gave the matter its serious consideration. Based on the reasons stated above, and the consent of the group after explaining the conditions of their return, the Thai government decided to send a Thai delegation to accompany the group to China, and it would continue to monitor and follow up on the situation.

The actions taken were in accordance with Thai and international laws and principles.