March 20, 2025
2 mins read

China Controls Thai Press in Xinjiang Visit

The visit was part of Beijing’s effort to showcase the welfare of Uyghurs who had been deported from Thailand…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese authorities closely monitored Thai journalists during a tightly controlled visit to Xinjiang this week, insisting on reviewing their photos and deleting any unapproved images before they were sent to Thailand, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA).

The visit was part of Beijing’s effort to showcase the welfare of Uyghurs who had been deported from Thailand.

On February 27, Thailand deported 40 Uyghur men to Xinjiang, claiming that no third country had agreed to accept them and that China had assured their safety. However, U.S. officials later acknowledged that the United States and other nations had offered to resettle the Uyghurs. The deported individuals were among more than 300 Uyghurs who fled persecution in Xinjiang but were detained in Thailand for over a decade.

The deportation was met with strong international condemnation. The United States imposed visa restrictions on certain Thai officials involved in the process, a move criticised by Western nations and human rights organisations. In response to mounting criticism, China invited Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and a team of journalists for a three-day visit to Kashgar, Xinjiang, beginning Tuesday, to highlight the welfare of the deportees and others who were forcibly returned in 2015, RFA reported.

However, journalists on the trip described heavy surveillance by Chinese security officials.

“Thai journalists were escorted by security personnel, who also requested to vet the images before allowing them to be sent back to Thailand,” said Pranot Vilapasuwan, news director at Thai-language daily Thairath, on Facebook, as quoted by RFA.

Pranot added that reporters were instructed to avoid photographing Chinese officials or, if they took images of Uyghurs and their families, to blur their faces. He also confirmed that Thai officials had screened journalists before the trip. “This means security agencies were filtering the media,” Pranot said during a program on Thairath online.

Human Rights Watch senior researcher Sunai Phasuk criticised the visit, calling it a staged attempt by China to control the narrative.

“Thailand is parroting China’s propaganda and collaborating in the crimes against Uyghurs,” Sunai said. (ANI)

Previous Story

LUXON WITH STARS 

Next Story

Big Job Cuts Loom as AI Reshapes Work

Latest from -Top News

World Bank Warns of Growing Poverty in Pakistan

Instead of concentrating on rural development to reduce poverty, the Pakistan government has been focused more on increasing defence expenditure….reports Asian Lite News The World Bank has voiced deep concern over Pakistan’s

Peace in Afghanistan Vital, Says India

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar who expressed support for independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News On Tuesday, India reaffirmed that a

India, Qatar Strengthen Trade Ties

Goyal expressed optimism about the growing economic engagement between the two countries, stating, “Glad to meet Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met

Keir Starmer Lands in Mumbai for First India Visit

The visit, described by No.10 Downing Street as a “two-day trade mission to Mumbai,” is focused on strengthening trade ties…reports Asian Lite News United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Airbnb allegedly hosts Xinjiang rentals on land owned by sanctioned group

Airbnb is one of 14 top-level sponsors of the 2022

China targets African coastline for military bases

The expansion of the Djibouti base comes at a time