U.S. Imposes Visa Sanctions on Thai Officials Over Uyghur Deportations

The U.S. announced visa sanctions against Thai officials involved in the deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, which U.S. officials label as genocide. Rubio highlighted the serious consequences Uyghurs face in China, urging other nations to avoid forced returns. The deportation strains U.S.-Thailand relations, as alternatives were offered for the Uyghurs’ resettlement. The sanctions serve to warn others against cooperating with China in deporting Uyghurs.

On March 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa sanctions against Thai officials involved in the deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China on February 27. This move, criticized by various global organizations, is based on concerns that these individuals might face torture, as U.S. officials categorize the situation as ongoing genocide. The deported Uyghurs had been in Thai immigration detention since escaping Chinese persecution in 2014.

Rubio emphasized that these visa bans target Thai officials connected to the forced return of Uyghurs, noting the severe consequences they endure upon return to China, including torture and enforced disappearances. He urged worldwide governments to refrain from forcibly returning Uyghurs, highlighting the ongoing genocide against them. The announcement also indicated that some family members of the involved officials may face travel restrictions to the U.S. under this blacklist.

The State Department has not disclosed the number of officials affected by the ban, adhering to privacy laws regarding U.S. immigration. Since 2021, the United States has condemned China’s treatment of the Uyghurs, alleging acts of genocide, including torture and forced sterilization, which China disputes, insisting on its developmental efforts in Xinjiang, the region where most Uyghurs reside.

The deportation incident signifies a rare tension between the U.S. and Thailand, traditionally close allies. Following the deportation, U.S. diplomats proposed resettling the Uyghurs in the U.S. or third countries, while other nations like Australia and Sweden also expressed willingness to assist. However, Thai officials ultimately opted to return the Uyghurs to China, citing potential reprisals from Beijing that could harm the livelihoods of many Thai citizens.

Rubio had previously expressed confidence in utilizing the strong historical ties between the U.S. and Thailand to prevent the return of the Uyghurs. He indicated that diplomatic channels could yield results because of the significant partnership between the two nations. Rushan Abbas, of the World Uyghur Congress, praised the visa sanctions, asserting they serve as a critical warning to governments cooperating with China regarding Uyghur deportations. Abbas highlighted that return to China poses a severe threat to the lives of Uyghurs, equating it to a death sentence due to the likelihood of torture and forced labor.

In conclusion, the United States has taken a decisive stance against the deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China, enforcing visa sanctions on officials involved. This action underscores the U.S. commitment to human rights issues and aims to hold accountable those complicit in such deportations. The response reflects the larger ongoing conflict over the treatment of Uyghurs and the implications for international diplomatic relations, especially between the U.S. and Thailand.

Original Source: www.benarnews.org