The move comes after rights groups warned the Uyghurs face torture and possibly death back in China.

Summary

Thailand has deported at least 40 Uyghurs to China despite international warnings that they could face torture or death.

The group had been detained in Bangkok for a decade after fleeing repression in Xinjiang. This marks Thailand’s first Uyghur deportation since 2015, sparking criticism from the U.S., U.N., and human rights groups.

China claims the deportees were illegal immigrants. Rights organizations condemned the move as a violation of international law.

Thai officials had previously assured they would not be transferred.