The European Parliament passed a resolution on March 13 condemning Thailand for human rights violations, particularly regarding the lèse majesté law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees. The resolution was approved with 482 votes in favor, 57 against, and 68 abstentions.
The parliament strongly criticized Thailand’s deportation of Uyghur refugees to China and urged the Thai government to halt such actions, ensuring the safety of those at risk. Members called on the European Commission to use international trade negotiations, including the potential EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as leverage to push for reforms, including amending the lèse majesté law, releasing political prisoners, and ratifying key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
The resolution also demanded that Thailand grant the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) unrestricted access to detained Uyghur asylum seekers and provide full transparency regarding their status. Additionally, the European Parliament urged Thailand to strengthen its institutions in line with human rights standards and grant amnesty to imprisoned lawmakers and activists convicted under controversial laws.
Furthermore, the European Parliament called for the suspension of Thailand’s extradition treaty with China, insisting that Beijing respect the fundamental rights of the deported Uyghurs, ensure transparency regarding their whereabouts, allow UNHCR access, and grant them freedom.
According to VOA, the resolution was passed after Thailand deported 40 Uyghur refugees, who had been detained since 2014, back to China on February 27. This move drew strong condemnation from the U.S. government, the United Nations, and human rights organizations, which labeled it a violation of both international treaties and Thai law.
Human rights groups also warned that eight remaining Uyghur detainees in Thailand are at high risk of being deported to China, facing similar dangers as those previously sent back.