Thailand is under increasing global scrutiny as calls grow to prevent the deportation of 48 Uyghur men detained in Bangkok since 2014. UN experts and human rights groups warn that sending them back to China could expose them to "real risk of torture or other cruel, inhuman treatment."

The men, part of a larger group detained over a decade ago while fleeing persecution in China, have reportedly been on hunger strike since January 10 in a desperate plea against deportation. A voice note shared by a detainee through an activist group pleaded, "You all know what will happen to us if we are sent back to China. This is our plea for help."

Detained in what activists describe as "life-threatening conditions," many of the men suffer from serious health issues, including diabetes, kidney dysfunction, and heart problems. UN experts have urged Thailand to provide necessary medical care and halt any plans for deportation, emphasizing the country's obligations under international law.

Fears of deportation intensified earlier this month when Thai authorities reportedly pressured detainees to sign "voluntary return" documents. Thai officials have denied such plans, but the situation remains uncertain.

International pressure is mounting, with the US administration and human rights organizations urging Thailand to release the men to a third country. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the issue, given the strong US-Thailand alliance.

China denies allegations of human rights abuses against Uyghurs, but reports of mass detentions, forced labor, and torture in Xinjiang have drawn widespread condemnation. A 2022 UN report documented "serious human rights violations" against Uyghurs, including arbitrary detention and torture.

As the world watches, the fate of these detainees hangs in the balance. Activists and global leaders hope Thailand will act to prevent another humanitarian crisis.