Dozens of Uyghur men, who fled persecution in China, are currently in the second week of a hunger strike in Bangkok, Thailand. This protest is aimed at pressuring the Thai government to prevent their deportation to China, where they fear facing torture and imprisonment.
The men have been in Thai detention centers for over a decade and began their hunger strike on January 10, following the receipt of “voluntary return” forms. Despite refusing to sign these forms, they were instructed to pose for photographs, causing panic among the detainees due to similarities with events preceding the 2015 deportation of 109 Uyghurs to China.
Thai authorities have stated that there are no plans for deportation and have denied the occurrence of a hunger strike. However, one detainee communicated with a reporter, revealing that he and others were drinking only small amounts of water while continuing their fast.
Uyghurs are Turkic-speaking Muslims primarily from the Xinjiang region of China, where the Chinese government has implemented strict surveillance and detained many in internment camps since 2014. This persecution has led thousands to flee, including the detainees in Thailand, who were part of a larger group seeking refuge in Turkey.
As of Friday night, the detainees remained on hunger strike, expressing desperation for assistance from the international community. Concerns have been raised about their health, with many suffering from malnutrition and chronic illnesses, and at least five Uyghurs have died in detention.
Thailand's defense minister recently stated that the issue of the Uyghurs was discussed in a National Security Council meeting, emphasizing adherence to laws and international relations. However, when asked about potential deportations, he claimed to have only just heard of such reports.
China’s Foreign Ministry stated it was unaware of any plans regarding the Uyghurs' return, reaffirming its stance against illegal immigration. The situation has garnered attention from U.S. officials and human rights advocates, with calls for Thailand to refrain from deporting the detainees.
Thai senator Angkhana Neelapaijit has raised the hunger strike issue with the National Security Council and is advocating for access to the Uyghurs, planning to hold a parliamentary hearing on their situation. She recalled the backlash from the 2015 deportation, which was condemned by human rights organizations.
The plight of the detainees highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of Uyghurs, with reports of harsh consequences for those returned to China. The fate of many deported Uyghurs remains uncertain, raising alarms about their safety and human rights.