Thailand grants Uyghur men court challenge to Chinese extradition bid

BANGKOK — Thailand's government said it will permit five Uyghur men to mount a legal challenge against an extradition request from Beijing before proceeding with any deportation, a Thai government spokesman announced on Wednesday.

The decision to allow court proceedings comes as international human rights organisations have cautioned that the men face serious risks of mistreatment if returned to China. Concerns over detainees' safety in Chinese custody have been a persistent flashpoint in diplomatic discussions between Bangkok and Beijing.

The judicial review process represents a procedural safeguard in Thailand's extradition framework, though the ultimate decision on whether to approve or reject China's request will rest with Thai authorities. The case is likely to draw scrutiny from rights monitors tracking the treatment of Uyghur populations across the region.

Thailand has previously grappled with balancing its strategic ties to China against international pressure regarding human rights commitments. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how Bangkok handles future extradition requests involving members of China's Uyghur minority.