Thai embassy closed in Turkey after protest against deported Uighurs

AP photo

Thailand on Friday closed its embassy and consulate in Turkey after a protest against its deportation of Uighur Muslims to China, as the US warned the minority could face "harsh treatment" on their return.

The temporary closure of Thailand's embassy in Ankara and consulate in Istanbul comes after anti-Chinese demonstrators stormed the latter, damaging furnishings and pulling down the sign outside.    

It was the latest protest in Turkey over the treatment of the Turkic-speaking, largely Muslim minority in China's northwestern Xinjiang region where Uighurs say they face cultural and religious repression.
 
Scores are believed to have fled the restive area in recent years, sometimes travelling through Southeast Asia in hope of resettling in Turkey.
 
The fate of some 400 Uighurs in Thailand had been in doubt since they were detained for illegal entry in March 2014, while authorities verified their nationalities amid a tussle between Turkey and China over where they should be moved.
 
The junta-ruled kingdom revealed July 9 that around 100 Uighurs were deported to China on July 8, while an earlier group of 172 women and children were sent to Turkey in late June.
 
The China deportations sparked international condemnation from the United States, rights groups and the UN as well as the Istanbul protest.
 
In Bangkok, Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told reporters July 10 that "the government has ordered the Thai embassy and consulate to close temporarily today".    

"We will assess the situation on a daily basis," he said, adding all was currently under control with no Thai nationals affected, while citizens had been warned to remain on alert.
 
According to a...

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