Sat Mar 15 11:06:42 UTC 2025: ## US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Thai Officials Over Uyghur Deportations; Thailand Asserts Safety Assurances
**Bangkok, Thailand** – The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Thai officials involved in the controversial deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs to China in late February. The move, announced Friday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes in response to international condemnation of Thailand’s actions.
Thailand’s foreign ministry responded on Saturday, acknowledging the US visa restrictions but insisting it had received assurances from the Chinese government regarding the safety and well-being of the deported Uyghurs. The ministry stated it would continue to monitor their situation.
The Uyghurs, who had been detained in Thailand for over a decade after fleeing China, were flown directly to Xinjiang, a region where China is accused by the US of committing genocide against the Uyghur Muslim minority. China denies these accusations, claiming its actions are aimed at providing vocational training.
While Thailand has long been a key US ally in Asia, it also maintains strong ties with Beijing. The ministry’s statement emphasized Thailand’s commitment to its longstanding alliance with the US, while simultaneously highlighting its assurances from China regarding the Uyghurs’ safety. The exact number of Thai officials affected by the US visa restrictions remains unspecified.
First Piper 