Canada and the United States made offers to resettle 48 ethnic Uyghurs detained in Thailand over the past decade, according to sources. Bangkok, however, took no action to avoid upsetting China, resulting in the Uyghurs being covertly deported last week.
Despite objections from United Nations human rights experts, Thailand proceeded with the deportation.
Human rights groups accuse China of widespread abuses against the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority in Xinjiang. China denies these allegations.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that no country had made a concrete offer to resettle the Uyghurs. He mentioned having spoken with major countries over the years without any specific commitments.
The United States offered to resettle the Uyghurs, with an official from the U.S. State Department expressing disappointment that Thailand did not act on the offer. Canada and Australia also extended asylum offers that were not pursued by Thailand, fearing repercussions from China.
Thailand's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
China defended the repatriation as lawful, stating that the deported individuals were illegal migrants with their rights protected.
The fate of the Uyghurs remains uncertain, with five still in Thai custody, while the whereabouts of three others are unconfirmed.
Former Thai Ambassador Pisan Manawapat confirmed that several countries approached Thailand regarding resettling the Uyghurs but withheld names to avoid displeasing China.
Deputy Premier Phumtham explained that the decision to deport the Uyghurs was made after Beijing assured that Thai officials could monitor their well-being upon return, despite concerns raised by the UN and condemnation from various organizations.
The UN refugee agency cited lack of access to the Uyghurs as hindering their processing as asylum seekers, prolonging their detention.