The National Security Secretary clarified the case of two Uyghur individuals, affirming that proceedings are being conducted according to the law due to arrest warrants from China and their lack of refugee status. He stated that if the court rules them guilty, they must be extradited under the extradition treaty.
At 12:35 p.m. on 4 November 2026 at the Government House, General Chaiphruek Duangpraphat, Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC), addressed concerns about the possibility of Thailand sending two Uyghurs to China. He explained that the five Uyghurs are from the same group of 40 who previously returned to China after escaping detention in Thailand. They were prosecuted for escaping custody; two were released in October, while three remain imprisoned for about another year.
General Chaiphruek added that unlike previous cases, these five individuals have Chinese arrest warrants and do not hold refugee status. China has requested their extradition under the extradition treaty due to their offenses. Therefore, this is not a political matter but a legal and judicial process. Upon receiving an official extradition request from China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifies the warrants. If valid, the case proceeds through the justice system, with prosecutors handling it. The Uyghurs have appointed lawyers to defend themselves. If acquitted, their fate depends on whether another country accepts them. If found guilty, they must be extradited per the treaty. He emphasized this is a judicial matter, not political.
When asked whether the decision rests with the court, General Chaiphruek confirmed it follows normal judicial procedures. Regarding reports that the two Uyghurs were not allowed to meet lawyers, he said that, to his knowledge, lawyers have already met with them, and the individuals have appointed legal counsel to exercise their rights.