“They are not Hollywood actors who can cry on command,” says Deputy Prime Minister regarding Xinjiang visit
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has addressed allegations that his visit to **Uyghur** families in the **Xinjiang** region of China was staged, emphasizing that each family engaged with the delegation voluntarily. Speaking on the final day of his three-day trip, Mr. Phumtham confirmed that families were chosen based on their willingness to participate, and that Thai officials respected their rights throughout the visit.
Mr. Phumtham, alongside Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and military officials, traveled to Xinjiang to assess the well-being of the Uyghurs who were deported last month from Thailand. The visit sought to reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to human rights amidst criticism from multiple Western nations, including the United States, which had imposed visa restrictions on unnamed Thai officials.
In response to claims that the emotions displayed by the Uyghurs during the visit were rehearsed, Mr. Phumtham firmly dismissed such notions, affirming the authenticity of their reactions. “They are not Hollywood actors who can cry on command. When we arrived, their eyes welled up with tears. When asked if they were happy, their emotions overflowed naturally,” he stated.
He shared a poignant moment when a Uyghur man held his hand tightly, reinforcing the sincerity of their emotions. Mr. Phumtham implored observers to look beyond mere words, highlighting that “the reality of the situation speaks for itself.”
During a visit to the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, the Thai delegation met with the Imam, who assured them that the repatriated Uyghurs were living safely under Chinese law with improved conditions. The Imam also expressed appreciation for Thai culture and showed interest in visiting Thailand, leading the delegation to extend an official invitation.
According to the Thai Ministry of Defence, among the 40 deported Uyghurs, most have returned to their homes across various parts of Xinjiang, while a few previously ill individuals are still receiving treatment.
Engaging with Uyghur returnees
The Thai delegation, which included officials from China’s public security ministry, split into two groups to engage with Uyghur returnees. One group visited selected families at their residences located 100 to 200 km from Kashgar, while another group held a video call with a group living 500 km away, which included discussions with Islamic religious leaders.
Chinese authorities requested that media members blur the faces of the Uyghurs in photographs and videos to ensure their privacy. Beyond this request, there were no specific restrictions placed on the delegation’s activities.
China has downplayed the significance of the delegation’s visit, with foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterating that the repatriation was a matter of “normal law enforcement cooperation” with Thailand, asserting that the rights of those involved were upheld in accordance with international laws.
Despite this, human rights groups and Uyghurs abroad allege that China has detained over a million Muslims, primarily Uyghurs, in facilities in Xinjiang where reports of violence, torture, and other abuses surfaced. Beijing adamantly denies these accusations, stating that its policies have eliminated extremism and promoted development, claiming the facilities were voluntary training centers that ceased operations years ago after completion.
