- In March 2014, a group of people was found in human smugglers’ camps in Southern Thailand and have been under the custody of Thai authorities concerned until now.

- This group of people has claimed to be Turks. There has also been counterclaim that they are Uyghur people from Xinjiang, China. Consequently, there have been calls for the Thai authorities to return them to the country of origin as well as calls to send them onwards to Turkey.

- In dealing with this issue, Thailand is committed to human rights and humanitarian principles, and will proceed in accordance with our international obligations and norms, while taking into account applicable laws and procedures. The Thai authorities concerned have been trying their utmost to handle these cases with sensitivity and care, taking into consideration interests of all parties concerned. Thailand is also serious about our responsibility towards the international community’s common effort to combat terrorism as well as transnational organized crime including human trafficking and people smuggling.   

- The policy making process on this matter is still going on, with careful deliberations among concerned Thai agencies as well as constant communications between the Royal Thai Government and other governments and international organizations.

- Meanwhile, Thailand will continue to accord appropriate treatment and protection to the group while working on possible solutions. Particular attention has been paid to vulnerable groups especially women and children.

- This has been under observations of the Turkish and Chinese diplomatic missions and related international organizations. The Thai agencies concerned has also been working with international and civil society organizations, including the Office of Shaikhul Islam of Thailand and local Thai Muslim communities, in providing care to the group.

- The Royal Thai Embassy would like to reiterate that, despite the unfound rumors or speculations, at this juncture the Royal Thai Government has not yet making any decision to send this group of people anywhere. The group is still now under the custody and care of Thailand. The Prime Minister of Thailand himself has instructed relevant Thai agencies to take good care of them pending the solutions.

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