US Senator Marco Rubio has vowed to pressure Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 Uyghurs who have been detained in the country since 2014. Rubio's stance on this issue reflects his longstanding criticism of China's treatment of Uyghurs, who face allegations of forced labour, torture, and disappearance. Human rights organisations have urged Thailand to protect the detainees and provide them with safe passage to a third country.