A high-level Thai delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai, will visit Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province of China on 18-20 March 2025 to clarify concerns raised by various nations and explain Thailand's Uyghur repatriation based on a human rights-based approach.

The 25-member delegation will comprise Minister of Justice Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Secretary-General of the National Security Council Chatchai Bangchuad, Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police Pol. Gen. Kraiboon Suadsong, Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, and representatives of the media.

The group will depart from Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force, Don Mueang Airport, in Bangkok at 23.30 hr on 18 March. They are scheduled to arrive in Kashi, southwestern Xinjiang, on 19 March at 07.00 hr, which is one hour ahead of Thailand's time. In Kashi, they will visit the Uyghur community and have lunch with local leaders in the morning and afternoon.

On 20 March, the group will travel to the more remote areas of Xinjiang Province to visit the Law Enforcement and Case Management Center of the Public Security Bureau in Kashi. Later, they will visit the Id Kah Mosque, hold discussions with religious leaders, and have dinner with local religious representatives.

The delegation will leave Kashi at about 20.00 hr and arrive at Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force, Don Mueang Airport, on 21 March at 01.00 hr. 

According to the Government Spokesperson, the aim of this trip is to show that the Thai government has handled the Uyghur issue openly and through a significant agreement between both Thai and Chinese governments. The objective is to improve the quality of life and ensure rights and freedoms for the people in the modern world.

Mr.  Jirayu said that the Thai government attaches great importance to this matter, and that it had spent several months reviewing the details before sending the group of 40 ethnic Uyghur Chinese nationals back to their homeland. This would ensure that their return would be safe and comply with human rights.

This trip will mark the first step, and the Thai government is also planning periodical visits in the future to continue to ensure confidence in tackling international issues with various nations.