BANGKOK, Feb 28 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended Thailand’s decision to return 40 Uyghurs to China after they had been detained in Thailand for 11 years.

She revealed that she personally discussed the matter with multiple Chinese leaders, including China’s Security Minister, who provided formal assurances that the returnees would not face prosecution and could safely rejoin their families.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Uyghurs had entered Thailand illegally and no third country had requested to accept them during their lengthy detention. She stated that once China provided clear evidence they were Chinese citizens, Thailand was obligated to return them, and doing so did not violate international rules or human rights principles.

Paetongtarn firmly denied accusations that the return was part of a trade exchange with China, insisting “people are not commodities.” She added that Chinese authorities have granted Thailand permission to monitor the returnees’ well-being, with the Justice Minister planning to visit China in mid-March to check on their situation.

The Thai government had kept the matter confidential for security reasons, with the Prime Minister noting she wanted to ensure the process proceeded peacefully without complications. Photos showing the Uyghurs reuniting with their families have been released, which she cited as evidence of a positive outcome.

In response to international criticism, particularly from the United States and Europe, the Prime Minister stated that Thailand would provide updated information to concerned countries. She expressed confidence in China’s commitment to treat the returnees well, saying Thailand would not have proceeded without such guarantees. -819 (TNA)