Bangkok: Academics from Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, have raised concerns about the potential for violent incidents following Thailand's decision to repatriate Uighurs to China. This move is feared to be perceived as Thailand taking sides in the complex arena of human rights and foreign policy, potentially undermining its credibility on the global stage.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Ekarin Tuansiri from the Faculty of Political Science at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, highlighted the possible short-term repercussions of this decision. He recalled previous instances during General Prayut Chan-o-cha's government when similar actions led to violence, bombings in Bangkok, fatalities, and protests in Istanbul, all of which adversely affected Thai citizens. He warned that such acts could prompt immediate retaliations and draw condemnation from international organizations, including the United Nations, severely impacting Thailand's credibility in human rights matters.
In the long term, Assoc. Prof. Ekarin emphasized the delicate balance Thailand must maintain amidst the superpower rivalry between China and the United States. He cautioned that the return of Uighurs to China could be interpreted as Thailand aligning with one of these powers, complicating its ability to navigate international politics effectively.
Reflecting on Thailand's foreign policy stance, Assoc. Prof. Ekarin noted that the recent transition to a civilian government raised expectations of Thailand reclaiming its position with dignity on the international stage. However, the handling of the Uighur issue, particularly the lack of transparency and communication, has raised doubts about Thailand's reliability, particularly among ASEAN countries. He criticized Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra's inconsistent statements regarding her awareness of the repatriation process, highlighting a lack of transparency in the government's approach.
The academic pointed out that this situation could lead to accusations of human rights violations against Thailand, especially as a member of the United Nations Security Council. The international community has questioned Thailand's ability to maintain a balanced stance, and the UN has condemned the government's actions. Concerns remain about the safety of the Uighurs sent back and the fate of those still in Thailand.
Assoc. Prof. Ekarin suggested that the chaos and confusion in Thailand's foreign policy could have been avoided if the Uighurs were offered asylum in countries willing to accept them, such as Turkey. He questioned whether the government's actions were a result of negligence or political motives, speculating that Thailand may be aligning with China following diplomatic interactions concerning Chinese nationals in Myanmar.
The situation has sparked significant concern over Thailand's foreign policy direction and its implications for human rights on the international stage.