Kashi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,In a significant diplomatic gesture, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently visited Kashi, in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, to meet Uyghur individuals repatriated from Thailand in late February 2025. The visit, accompanied by a delegation including Minister Thawee Sodsong, aimed to assess the well-being of the returnees amid lingering concerns in Thailand and internationally about their safety and treatment upon return. Phumtham’s interactions with the repatriated Uyghurs and their families revealed stories of relief, reintegration, and gratitude, while also addressing past fears and misconceptions about their return to China.
The repatriation of these individuals, some of whom had been detained in Thailand for over a decade, has been a contentious issue, with human rights groups and sections of the Thai public expressing fears of persecution or mistreatment in Xinjiang—a region long under scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority. During the visit, Phumtham sought to personally verify the conditions of the returnees, while the Uyghurs themselves shared accounts of improved living conditions, government support, and a sense of normalcy after years of uncertainty abroad.
A Long Journey Home
The Uyghur individuals met by Phumtham and his delegation had left China years ago, often under the influence of promises of a better life abroad. However, many found themselves stranded in Thailand, facing prolonged detention due to legal and diplomatic complexities. Phumtham acknowledged the hardships they endured, including an 11-year detention for some, and issued an apology for the difficulties faced during this period. He explained that Thailand had to adhere to legal procedures and that no third country had formally offered to resettle them, leaving repatriation to China as the eventual outcome after receiving assurances from Beijing about their safety. 
One returnee, who had been back in Kashi for over 20 days, expressed joy at Phumtham’s visit, inviting the Thai delegation and media into his home. He described returning to a changed homeland, with significant infrastructure improvements over the past decade. Having previously lived in an earthquake-prone area, his family now resided in new housing provided by the Chinese government. Working as a chef at his sister’s restaurant—a trade he had practised before leaving—he showed Phumtham his national ID card and household registration, issued by the Xinjiang authorities, as proof of his reintegration. He also noted that he would receive compensation for lost wages during his time away, reinforcing his belief that returning home was the right decision.
The man recounted how he had been persuaded to leave China by someone promising a better life abroad, only to later regret the decision. Initially fearing detention upon return, he was relieved to find himself safe and welcomed by his community without discrimination. “True happiness can only be found at home,” he told Phumtham, expressing gratitude to the Chinese government for facilitating family reunions.
Addressing Fears and Misconceptions
Phumtham directly tackled concerns raised by some in Thailand and beyond about the repatriation process. Fears of torture or danger upon return to China have been a recurring theme in discussions about the Uyghurs’ fate. One returnee admitted to having shared such anxieties before his return, having been warned of imprisonment or worse. However, he reassured the delegation that these fears had proven unfounded, emphasising that he now lived peacefully with his family. He denied having written any of the three letters allegedly penned by Uyghurs requesting assistance to avoid repatriation, asserting that his only wish had been to return home.
Another Uyghur man, visited by Minister Thawee, echoed similar sentiments. Having been misled by extremists into believing life abroad would be better, he realised the deception upon arriving in Thailand but feared returning due to threats of imprisonment or death. Now back in Kashi, he described feeling “100% free” and at ease, living with his family in a new home built with government assistance after their old brick house became outdated. He now helps his parents with farming and aspires to become a mechanic, a far cry from the uncertainty of his years abroad.
Thawee also addressed global misconceptions about the returnees’ treatment, noting that many had been warned of mental suffering or physical abuse if sent back to China. The Uyghur man countered these claims, stating that he felt no coercion and was well cared for by the local government, which provided health check-ups, ID registration, and life insurance. “My life is back to normal now,” he said, expressing a desire to marry and start a family while requesting privacy by asking the media to cover his face during coverage.
Government Support and Reintegration Efforts
A recurring theme during the visit was the support provided by the Chinese government to the returnees. One family explained how the government had reclaimed their old land and provided two apartment units in exchange, which they renovated with 10,000 yuan (approximately £1,100) in financial assistance, eventually owning three units. Another returnee’s family received help to build a new home costing 22,000 yuan, a significant improvement over their previous dwelling. Beyond housing, returnees highlighted educational opportunities for younger siblings and a lack of punishment despite past illegal border crossings, painting a picture of leniency and support from local authorities.
Emotional reunions marked the visit, with families shedding tears of joy after believing they might never see their loved ones again. One returnee’s sister compared her brother’s return to “an angel receiving wings,” while a father expressed relief at being reunited with his son, whom he had feared was lost forever. These personal stories underscored the human dimension of the repatriation process, often overshadowed by geopolitical debates.
Thailand-China Cooperation and Human Rights Concerns
Phumtham and Thawee both emphasised the collaborative efforts between the Thai and Chinese governments to ensure the safe return of the Uyghurs. Phumtham noted that China had provided official assurances of their citizens’ safety, which prompted Thailand to proceed with the repatriation despite international concerns. Thawee reiterated that both governments prioritised the returnees’ rights and did not wish for them to be used as pawns in broader political narratives. He added that the situation would be monitored regularly, with China committing to uphold the returnees’ well-being, particularly in terms of human rights.
The visit also included symbolic moments of reconciliation. One returnee recognised a Thai immigration officer in the delegation, referring to him as “Inspector” and shaking hands in a gesture of gratitude for his safe return. Thawee encouraged the families, stating, “If you’re happy, we’re all happy,” reflecting Thailand’s stated intent to prioritise the returnees’ welfare over political pressures.
Broader Implications for Thailand-China Relations
The repatriation of Uyghur individuals from Thailand to China is not merely a humanitarian issue but also a reflection of the delicate balance in Thailand’s foreign policy. Bangkok has long navigated complex relations with Beijing, a major economic partner, while facing scrutiny from Western nations and human rights organisations over its handling of asylum seekers and refugees. The decision to repatriate the Uyghurs, despite vocal opposition from some quarters, underscores Thailand’s prioritisation of diplomatic ties with China, particularly in light of assurances from Beijing about the returnees’ treatment.
However, the issue remains fraught with tension. Xinjiang has been at the centre of international criticism, with accusations of mass detentions, forced labour, and cultural suppression of the Uyghur population—claims that Beijing vehemently denies, framing its policies as counter-terrorism and development initiatives. While the personal accounts shared during Phumtham’s visit suggest a positive outcome for these specific returnees, broader questions about the situation in Xinjiang persist. The Thai delegation’s emphasis on ongoing monitoring may be an attempt to address these concerns, though sceptics may view the visit as a staged effort to counter negative perceptions.
Looking Ahead
Phumtham’s visit to Kashi represents a rare glimpse into the lives of repatriated Uyghurs, offering a narrative of hope and reintegration that contrasts with widespread fears about their fate. For the returnees, the opportunity to rebuild their lives with government support and family by their side appears to be a welcome change after years of hardship. Yet, for observers in Thailand and beyond, questions remain about the long-term implications of such repatriations and whether the assurances provided by China will hold under scrutiny.
As Thailand continues to navigate its role in regional and global politics, the handling of the Uyghur repatriation case will likely remain a point of contention. For now, the smiles and tears of the families in Kashi suggest a personal resolution to a long-standing ordeal, even as the broader debate over human rights in Xinjiang shows no sign of abating. The Thai government’s commitment to monitoring the situation may provide some reassurance, but only time will tell if this chapter marks a genuine turning point for those who have returned home.
