South OC Times

On February 3, 2025, U.S. Representatives Young Kim and Brian Mast expressed their concerns regarding the potential deportation of 48 Uyghur refugees from Thailand to China. The two representatives addressed a letter to Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, the Thai Ambassador to the United States, urging the Thai government to reconsider its decision.

The letter highlighted the longstanding partnership between Thailand and the United States and emphasized the risks faced by the Uyghur refugees if returned to China. "We urge the Thai government to reconsider its course of action and protect their safety," stated Kim and Mast in their correspondence.

The Uyghurs in question fled China over ten years ago due to what has been described as an ongoing campaign of genocide by the Chinese Communist Party against Uyghurs for their religious beliefs, cultural practices, and political views. The representatives noted that China's policies in Xinjiang include arbitrary detention, mass surveillance, forced labor, forced sterilizations, and destruction of cultural heritage.

Despite being held in Thai custody for more than a decade, these individuals remain without legal recourse or certainty about their future. The letter criticized this treatment as a violation of international standards and contrary to humanitarian principles traditionally upheld by Thailand.

The U.S. supports the Uyghur Labor Prevention Act which aims to hold China accountable for using forced labor involving Uyghur detainees. Deporting these refugees back to China would contradict this act as it could lead them into further exploitation.

Kim and Mast urged Thailand to halt deportations and consider resettling these individuals in a third country where they can be safe. They believe such actions would enhance diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States.