China will disclose information concerning the 109 ethnic Uighurs who were repatriated from Thailand to China last week, said deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd Thursday.
Chinese authorities have assured the Thai delegation led by National Security Council secretary-general Anusit Kunakorn they will reveal information relating to treatment of the 109 Uighurs to help ease concerns over their safety and living conditions, Maj Gen Sansern said.
He was speaking during an update on a visit to China by Mr Anusit and his team, which ends today, to observe how the Uighur migrants are being treated.
Maj Gen Sansern said China also expressed gratitude to Thailand for complying with international practices in dealing with illegal migrants. "The Uighur issue could become a source of conflict between Thailand and other countries. However, our country is only a transit point. When illegal migrants are detained, they have to be deported to the country of origin. If we don't follow the rules, Thailand will be regarded as a hideout for transnational criminals," he added.
Meanwhile, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reports that Cambodia has praised the Thai government for deporting some of the Uighurs to China. "Thailand is admirable for its decision in dealing with the Uighur migrants as its government chose not to interfere in China's internal affairs. This showed its respect for China's sovereignty," Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also asked Thais to understand the government's decision.
"What we did with the Uighur migrants is based on human rights practice. Actually, those countries criticising us should try to be responsible for them too," Gen Prayut said.
About 140,000 migrants are stranded in the country, with Thailand dealing with more than 400,000 illegal migrants over the past 30 years, he added.