The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has issued a remarkable security alert for Thailand, warning of a potentially dangerous situation developing in the Kingdom based on historical events.
The Thai government has recently deported 40 Uyghurs to China who have been languishing in a Thai detention facility for over many years, a similar situation led to infamous Bangkok Erawan Shrine Bombings in 2015.
Thailand has been the target of terrorist attacks in the past, which is a worldwide phenomenon. Usually it is connected to some geo-political disputes in the country such as the southern border regions or – just like it happened in 2015 – the deportation of Muslim Uyghurs to China.
The travel notice by the U.S. State Department, relayed by the Embassy in Bangkok says:
Location: Throughout Thailand
Event: On 27 February 2025, the Royal Thai Government deported a group of 45 Uyghurs asylees to China. Similar deportations have prompted violent retaliatory attacks in the past. Most notably, in the wake of a 2015 deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand, improvised explosive devices detonated at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok killing 20 people and injuring 125 others as this shrine is heavily visited by tourists from China.
Actions to Take: The U.S. Mission in Thailand advises U.S. citizens to
Exercise increased caution and vigilance, especially in crowded locations frequented by tourists due to the potential for increased collateral risk7Follow the instructions of local authorities
Does this necessarily mean it’s dangerous or that something is going to happen? No, but it’s always good to exercise caution.
The U.S. Embassy also updates their alerts on X quite regularly, including this one:
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
Location: Throughout Thailand
Event: On 27 February 2025, the Royal Thai Government deported a group of 45 Uyghurs asylees to China. Similar deportations have prompted violent retaliatory attacks in the past. Most notably, in… pic.twitter.com/tEEz7nVNCT
— U.S. Embassy Bangkok (@USEmbassyBKK) February 28, 2025
It’s not exclusive to the American diplomatic missions, most embassies and consulates worldwide public such notices for their citizens abroad.
Thailand is usually a very safe country, aside from the many road accidents, so I wouldn’t classify it as a high-risk destination for tourists. There is a point to this, though. Countries do paint a target on their backs when engaging in controversial political actions.
Thailand is not exactly known as a great place to apply for political asylum. Still, many people from neighboring countries try their luck in the Kingdom as they have no other choice. More often than not, these individuals are eventually deported back to their country of origin after the claims process has been adjudicated by the authorities. Terrorists with a political motive use this to plan attacks.
In 2015, a total of 20 people were killed in the Erawan bombings and over 100 were injured.
It’s been indeed 10 years now since these bombings at the Erawan Shrine, right in front of the Grand Hyatt:
Bombing In Bangkok – Explosion At Popular Erawan Shrine (In Front Of Grand Hyatt Erawan)
I have a somewhat personal connection to this, as just 15 mins before I finished dinner at the Erawan Tea Room adjacent to the shrine (where some windows were blown out/damaged from the blast). I then walked over the skywalk towards Siam Paragon, and a few minutes after passing it, there was a loud noise. I didn’t realize what it was until half an hour later when the news broke.
The bombing is still not solved and there has been no conviction of a suspect. One Thai woman was acquitted due to lack of evidence last November (2024) while the main suspect is STILL on trial ten years later. There was also a scandal of the Thai Police awarding themselves reward money for “making progress in the case” and the tragedy slowly became a national embarrassment which his still going on to this day.
Conclusion
The U.S. Embassy issued a travel and safety alert for Bangkok and Thailand in general after the government deported 40 Uyghurs to China last week. There is fear of retribution by terrorists due to this, similar to the 2015 bombings which followed a similar playbook.
Travelers and local foreign residents should always exercise a good amount of caution to be on the safe side. However, you can’t isolate yourself against all risks in life and as a tourist, what are you going to do? Avoid going to the main sights at your destination? That’s not reasonable.
I’m surprised Thailand took the risk here, but eventually, these cases have to be resolved. These 40 people have been sitting in a detention center for many, many years. They can’t just set people free and let them roam the country if there is no valid asylum claim, especially if the individuals pose a security risk. On the other hand, deporting them back to China has a bad precedent, given the bloody history from 2015. It’s a no-win situation, especially as Thailand and China have a very close relationship.
