Ocean County Leader

Rep. Christopher H. Smith, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of both the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and the Uyghur Caucus, has issued a statement regarding Thailand's recent actions involving Uyghur refugees.

Smith criticized Thailand for forcibly repatriating 45 Uyghur refugees to China, claiming this action violates the country's obligations under the Convention against Torture. He stated, "The government of Thailand forcibly repatriated 45 Uyghur refugees to Communist China in violation of its obligations under the Convention against Torture." He attributed responsibility for this decision to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and called for sanctions against her and her family.

Smith expressed concern over the fate of these individuals once returned to China, suggesting they may face forced labor. "As the Chinese Communist Party will likely subject the renditioned Uyghurs to forced labor," he said, urging that Thailand's involvement be reflected in its tier ranking in the Trafficking in Persons report.

Additionally, Smith highlighted issues related to sex tourism and inadequate enforcement against labor trafficking in Thailand's fishing industry as factors contributing to his critical stance on Thailand's human rights record. "When coupled with tolerance for sex tourism and backpedaling on enforcing protections for labor trafficking in the fishing sector," he noted, "the Government of Thailand has forfeited any goodwill generated by its previous efforts at trafficking reform."

The U.S. State Department has confirmed that these refugees were deported unwillingly amid international protests and concerns about their safety upon return to China. This controversial deportation was also acknowledged by Deputy Prime Minister/Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayacha and reported by Chinese media.