Submitted on Thu, 29 Dec 2022 - 06:06 PMStephff

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Submitted on Wed, 28 Dec 2022 - 01:19 PMPrachatai

On 27 December, two Ubon Ratchathani high school students were detained for flashing three-finger salutes, a well-known symbol of resistance, at an intersection on a road that was closed ahead of King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida’s royal motorcade.

Two students detained at Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station (Photo from TLHR)

Another student who witnessed the incident said that he rode his motorcycle out to the intersection at around 14.00 to run an errand and discovered that the road was closed. He was not aware of the pending motorcade. Two of his friends, whose motorcycles were parked in front of him, flashed three-finger salutes for a moment.  Once the traffic was allowed to resume, a police officer pulled them over. The witness thought that they were going to be fined for not wearing a helmet but later learned that they had been detained for their salute.

According to a  Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) report, at around 15.30, the two students were detained at Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station.  Lawyers were not allowed to see them.  Volunteer lawyer Wattana Jantanasilp was denied permission to meet with the students and given no explanation of what had happened. Wattana was informed by the police that they had summoned the students’ parents, as well as an official from the Provincial Education Office and a child psychiatrist.

At 8.20, TLHR said that the students were released without charge, but the police refused to allow photos to be taken of the daily record on their detention.

King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida were visiting Ubon Ratchathani to attend a religious ceremony at Wat Pah Nanachat Temple in Warin Chamrap district at 17.00 yesterday.

A food delivery driver named Nattawut (last name withheld) also said that a police officer from Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station called him to ask that he remain at home while the King and Queen were visiting the province.  He refused, explaining that he needed to work. The officer then asked if he could follow Nattawut while he worked.  When the driver agreed, the officer said that he did not need to be with him all the time and instead would call him periodically to check his location.

Last October 2022, Nattawut ran into difficulties with the police because he was live-streaming when a group of people flashed the three-finger salute and shouted at Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. One person in the group was detained by police officers and taken away. Another person was pushed to the ground. Nattawut was threatened by the police, who ordered him to delete the recording of the livestream.

NewsUbon Ratchathaniroyal motorcadearbitrary detentionfreedom of expression

Submitted on Wed, 28 Dec 2022 - 01:19 PMPrachatai

On 27 December, two Ubon Ratchathani high school students were detained for flashing three-finger salutes, a well-known symbol of resistance, at an intersection on a road that was closed ahead of King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida’s royal motorcade.

Two students detained at Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station (Photo from TLHR)

Another student who witnessed the incident said that he rode his motorcycle out to the intersection at around 14.00 to run an errand and discovered that the road was closed. He was not aware of the pending motorcade. Two of his friends, whose motorcycles were parked in front of him, flashed three-finger salutes for a moment.  Once the traffic was allowed to resume, a police officer pulled them over. The witness thought that they were going to be fined for not wearing a helmet but later learned that they had been detained for their salute.

According to a  Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) report, at around 15.30, the two students were detained at Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station.  Lawyers were not allowed to see them.  Volunteer lawyer Wattana Jantanasilp was denied permission to meet with the students and given no explanation of what had happened. Wattana was informed by the police that they had summoned the students’ parents, as well as an official from the Provincial Education Office and a child psychiatrist.

At 8.20, TLHR said that the students were released without charge, but the police refused to allow photos to be taken of the daily record on their detention.

King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida were visiting Ubon Ratchathani to attend a religious ceremony at Wat Pah Nanachat Temple in Warin Chamrap district at 17.00 yesterday.

A food delivery driver named Nattawut (last name withheld) also said that a police officer from Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station called him to ask that he remain at home while the King and Queen were visiting the province.  He refused, explaining that he needed to work. The officer then asked if he could follow Nattawut while he worked.  When the driver agreed, the officer said that he did not need to be with him all the time and instead would call him periodically to check his location.

Last October 2022, Nattawut ran into difficulties with the police because he was live-streaming when a group of people flashed the three-finger salute and shouted at Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. One person in the group was detained by police officers and taken away. Another person was pushed to the ground. Nattawut was threatened by the police, who ordered him to delete the recording of the livestream.

NewsUbon Ratchathaniroyal motorcadearbitrary detentionfreedom of expression

Submitted on Wed, 28 Dec 2022 - 01:09 PMPrachatai

A student group at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Law has decided to cancel a board game night, during which they planned to play the card game “Patani Colonial Territory,” due to concerns caused by a visit from an officer of unknown affiliation.

Patani Colonial Territory, a card game about the colonisation of Patani by Siam

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that a plainclothes officer, whose affiliation is still unknown, visited the Faculty of Law along with other university administrators on 26 December after a student group known as Law of Left announced that they were holding a board game night, during which they planned to play “Patani Colonial Territory,” a card game about the colonization of Patani by Siam.

The officer was reported to have questioned Faculty personnel about whether they had ever seen the card game while showing them pictures of the game, as well as trying to get the Faculty to disclose the names of students organizing the event. They also asked whether students or members of the public from the Deep South provinces would be joining the event.

According to TLHR, the officer asked the Faculty to show CCTV footage relating to the event and recorded the footage.

Following the incident, Law of Left announced that the board game night was cancelled, as Faculty personnel were concerned by the visit and because they do not know why the officer was asking for information or what they would do with it.

Patani Colonial Territory is a card game produced by the team of developers known as Chachiluk Board Game based on the history of Siam’s colonization of Patani and appears to challenge the state’s attempts to defeat the insurgency which has been calling for more autonomy in the region. It was funded by Common School, an organization under the Progressive Movement Foundation, a non-profit entity founded by members of the now-dissolved Future Forward Party who were banned from politics following the party’s dissolution.

The game has been targeted by military officers, academics and right-wing politicians, who claim that the information it presents is misleading and that it aims to incite people against the state.

On 28 November 2022, security officers raided Life Coffee Slow Bar, a café in Yala’s Bannang Sata district and confiscated the game without presenting a warrant, telling the café owner that material in the game ‘may be illegal.’ A student hired by Chachiluk to design the cards was also reported to have been summoned by the police, although the developers said that the student was not involved in the conceptualization and production process.

Local media outlet Wartani also reported that officers of unknown affiliation were seen in front of the Provincial Electricity Authority office in Bannang Sata giving out leaflets about the game. The leaflet claimed that the game was based on “incorrect” history and that was an attempt to incite hatred and violence, as well as a violation of Islamic religious rules. It also said that it was produced by a “Peace Operations Centre”.

NewsPatani Colonial TerritoryDeep SouthColonisationChiang Mai University

Submitted on Wed, 28 Dec 2022 - 01:09 PMPrachatai

A student group at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Law has decided to cancel a board game night, during which they planned to play the card game “Patani Colonial Territory,” due to concerns caused by a visit from an officer of unknown affiliation.

Patani Colonial Territory, a card game about the colonisation of Patani by Siam

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that a plainclothes officer, whose affiliation is still unknown, visited the Faculty of Law along with other university administrators on 26 December after a student group known as Law of Left announced that they were holding a board game night, during which they planned to play “Patani Colonial Territory,” a card game about the colonization of Patani by Siam.

The officer was reported to have questioned Faculty personnel about whether they had ever seen the card game while showing them pictures of the game, as well as trying to get the Faculty to disclose the names of students organizing the event. They also asked whether students or members of the public from the Deep South provinces would be joining the event.

According to TLHR, the officer asked the Faculty to show CCTV footage relating to the event and recorded the footage.

Following the incident, Law of Left announced that the board game night was cancelled, as Faculty personnel were concerned by the visit and because they do not know why the officer was asking for information or what they would do with it.

Patani Colonial Territory is a card game produced by the team of developers known as Chachiluk Board Game based on the history of Siam’s colonization of Patani and appears to challenge the state’s attempts to defeat the insurgency which has been calling for more autonomy in the region. It was funded by Common School, an organization under the Progressive Movement Foundation, a non-profit entity founded by members of the now-dissolved Future Forward Party who were banned from politics following the party’s dissolution.

The game has been targeted by military officers, academics and right-wing politicians, who claim that the information it presents is misleading and that it aims to incite people against the state.

On 28 November 2022, security officers raided Life Coffee Slow Bar, a café in Yala’s Bannang Sata district and confiscated the game without presenting a warrant, telling the café owner that material in the game ‘may be illegal.’ A student hired by Chachiluk to design the cards was also reported to have been summoned by the police, although the developers said that the student was not involved in the conceptualization and production process.

Local media outlet Wartani also reported that officers of unknown affiliation were seen in front of the Provincial Electricity Authority office in Bannang Sata giving out leaflets about the game. The leaflet claimed that the game was based on “incorrect” history and that was an attempt to incite hatred and violence, as well as a violation of Islamic religious rules. It also said that it was produced by a “Peace Operations Centre”.

NewsPatani Colonial TerritoryDeep SouthColonisationChiang Mai University

Submitted on Wed, 28 Dec 2022 - 01:03 PMPrachatai

Year-end festivities may go ahead as planned, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of the Interior has said, after several government agencies cancelled their New Year celebrations, seemingly due to concerns over the conditions of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the King’s oldest daughter, who remains in hospital.

Suttipong Juljarern (Photo from Ministry of the Interior)

The Ministry of the Interior announced via its Facebook page on 26 December that according to Permanent Secretary Suttipong Juljarern, the Ministry of Interior has not ordered government agencies under its authority or other establishments to cancel their New Year celebrations. However, due to concerns about safety in crowded venues, the Ministry has ordered provincial governors to implement safety measures during the year-end holiday, including having patrol units check that establishments are following the law regarding closing times, age limits, and banned substances and objects. Venues must also have their safety systems checked and make sure they are not too crowded so as to prevent accidents, as well as have measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Suttipong also said that the Ministry is asking establishments to put safety first at New Year events and to organize events that promote Thai culture. Provincial authorities should also run campaigns to raise awareness about road safety during the year-end holiday and publicize emergency hotlines.

The Ministry of Education, which reportedly called off its year-end festivities last week in favour of holding prayer sessions and giving alms to monks on behalf of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, has said that it did not order schools and other agencies within the Ministry to cancel New Year events. Atthaphon Sangkhawasee, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, said that there had been a misunderstanding regarding an internal memo published by local media and that the Ministry has issued a new memo clarifying the issue.

The new memo, published by Matichon Online on 23 December, states that agencies under the Ministry may hold year-end celebrations as their administration sees fit to promote team building, and that they should also hold religious events.

BBC Thai reported on 25 December thatthe New Year “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” festival of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is still going ahead, and that the TAT said that the government or the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has to issue an order for the events to be cancelled.

New Year events in Bangkok and other provinces, including in popular tourist towns like Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, are reported to be going ahead as planned. Pattaya, a special administrative area independent of Chonburi municipality, which previously announced that it had cancelled a series of firework displays originally planned for 29 – 31 December, has since announced that there will still be a firework display on 31 December.

Meanwhile, the Khaosan Road Business Association said that it has decided to cancel its New Year celebration as it is currently a “sensitive time” for the Thai people. Association President Sa-nga Ruangwatthanakul told Khaosod that since several government agencies have called off their New Year celebrations, the Association also decided to call off the Khaosan Road New Year event, but businesses may stay open as usual.

Sa-nga said that the Association has informed business owners of its decision, and everyone agreed that it would not be appropriate to hold a celebration at this time. Nevertheless, he said that he does not expect the number of visitors to Khaosan Road to decrease, as businesses will still be open. He also noted that hotels in the area reported a high number of bookings during the year-end holiday.

BBC Thai also reported that Police Chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas has ordered the cancellation of year-end festivities for police units and for officers and other employees to hold prayer sessions for Princess Bajrakitiyabha from 16 December onwards.

NewsNew YearYear-end holidayMinistry of the InteriorPrincess Bajrakitiyabha

Submitted on Wed, 28 Dec 2022 - 01:03 PMPrachatai

Year-end festivities may go ahead as planned, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of the Interior has said, after several government agencies cancelled their New Year celebrations, seemingly due to concerns over the conditions of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the King’s oldest daughter, who remains in hospital.

Suttipong Juljarern (Photo from Ministry of the Interior)

The Ministry of the Interior announced via its Facebook page on 26 December that according to Permanent Secretary Suttipong Juljarern, the Ministry of Interior has not ordered government agencies under its authority or other establishments to cancel their New Year celebrations. However, due to concerns about safety in crowded venues, the Ministry has ordered provincial governors to implement safety measures during the year-end holiday, including having patrol units check that establishments are following the law regarding closing times, age limits, and banned substances and objects. Venues must also have their safety systems checked and make sure they are not too crowded so as to prevent accidents, as well as have measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Suttipong also said that the Ministry is asking establishments to put safety first at New Year events and to organize events that promote Thai culture. Provincial authorities should also run campaigns to raise awareness about road safety during the year-end holiday and publicize emergency hotlines.

The Ministry of Education, which reportedly called off its year-end festivities last week in favour of holding prayer sessions and giving alms to monks on behalf of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, has said that it did not order schools and other agencies within the Ministry to cancel New Year events. Atthaphon Sangkhawasee, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, said that there had been a misunderstanding regarding an internal memo published by local media and that the Ministry has issued a new memo clarifying the issue.

The new memo, published by Matichon Online on 23 December, states that agencies under the Ministry may hold year-end celebrations as their administration sees fit to promote team building, and that they should also hold religious events.

BBC Thai reported on 25 December thatthe New Year “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” festival of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is still going ahead, and that the TAT said that the government or the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has to issue an order for the events to be cancelled.

New Year events in Bangkok and other provinces, including in popular tourist towns like Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, are reported to be going ahead as planned. Pattaya, a special administrative area independent of Chonburi municipality, which previously announced that it had cancelled a series of firework displays originally planned for 29 – 31 December, has since announced that there will still be a firework display on 31 December.

Meanwhile, the Khaosan Road Business Association said that it has decided to cancel its New Year celebration as it is currently a “sensitive time” for the Thai people. Association President Sa-nga Ruangwatthanakul told Khaosod that since several government agencies have called off their New Year celebrations, the Association also decided to call off the Khaosan Road New Year event, but businesses may stay open as usual.

Sa-nga said that the Association has informed business owners of its decision, and everyone agreed that it would not be appropriate to hold a celebration at this time. Nevertheless, he said that he does not expect the number of visitors to Khaosan Road to decrease, as businesses will still be open. He also noted that hotels in the area reported a high number of bookings during the year-end holiday.

BBC Thai also reported that Police Chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas has ordered the cancellation of year-end festivities for police units and for officers and other employees to hold prayer sessions for Princess Bajrakitiyabha from 16 December onwards.

NewsNew YearYear-end holidayMinistry of the InteriorPrincess Bajrakitiyabha

Submitted on Mon, 26 Dec 2022 - 05:48 PMPrachatai

The Nonthaburi Juvenile and Family Court has found 19-year-old activist Thanakorn (last name withheld) guilty of royal defamation for giving a speech criticizing the monarchy during a protest on 10 September 2020.

Thanakorn

Thanakorn was charged with royal defamation and sedition for a speech given during the 10 September 2020 protest at Nonthaburi Pier about King Vajiralongkorn’s alleged taxpayer-funded travels to Germany. Thanakorn also raised questions about why there is a need to use a different way of speaking with the royal family and asked whether the monarchy is still something the Thai people can believe in.

Thanakorn was initially charged with sedition along with activists Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, Panupong Jadnok, Shinawat Chankrajang, and Parit Chiwarak, who also participated in the protest, and later charged with royal defamation after the inquiry officer ruled that the speech insulted the King.

Thanakorn, who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, was 17 years old when they were charged, and so they were tried in a juvenile court. Last Thursday (22 December), Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that the Nonthaburi Juvenile and Family Court found them guilty of royal defamation and sentenced them to 3 years in prison. Since they were a minor when they were charged, the Court reduced their sentence to 1 year and 6 months, suspended for 2 years, during which time they will be on probation. The Court also dismissed the sedition charge due to lack of evidence.

This is the second time Thanakorn has been found guilty of royal defamation. They were previously convicted for a speech given at a protest on 6 December 2020, in which they said that Thailand is not a democracy but an absolute monarchy and spoke about the role of the monarchy in military coups. The Central Juvenile and Family Court sentenced Thanakorn to 2 years in prison but ruled to commute their prison sentence to a juvenile training centre and ordered Thanakorn to undergo training for a minimum of 1 year and 6 months or a maximum of 3 years, but not after they turn 24 years old.

NewsThanakornSection 112lese majesteRoyal defamationStudent protest 2020Nonthaburi Juvenile and Family Courtfreedom of expressionMonarchy reform

Submitted on Mon, 26 Dec 2022 - 05:48 PMPrachatai

The Nonthaburi Juvenile and Family Court has found 19-year-old activist Thanakorn (last name withheld) guilty of royal defamation for giving a speech criticizing the monarchy during a protest on 10 September 2020.

Thanakorn

Thanakorn was charged with royal defamation and sedition for a speech given during the 10 September 2020 protest at Nonthaburi Pier about King Vajiralongkorn’s alleged taxpayer-funded travels to Germany. Thanakorn also raised questions about why there is a need to use a different way of speaking with the royal family and asked whether the monarchy is still something the Thai people can believe in.

Thanakorn was initially charged with sedition along with activists Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, Panupong Jadnok, Shinawat Chankrajang, and Parit Chiwarak, who also participated in the protest, and later charged with royal defamation after the inquiry officer ruled that the speech insulted the King.

Thanakorn, who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, was 17 years old when they were charged, and so they were tried in a juvenile court. Last Thursday (22 December), Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that the Nonthaburi Juvenile and Family Court found them guilty of royal defamation and sentenced them to 3 years in prison. Since they were a minor when they were charged, the Court reduced their sentence to 1 year and 6 months, suspended for 2 years, during which time they will be on probation. The Court also dismissed the sedition charge due to lack of evidence.

This is the second time Thanakorn has been found guilty of royal defamation. They were previously convicted for a speech given at a protest on 6 December 2020, in which they said that Thailand is not a democracy but an absolute monarchy and spoke about the role of the monarchy in military coups. The Central Juvenile and Family Court sentenced Thanakorn to 2 years in prison but ruled to commute their prison sentence to a juvenile training centre and ordered Thanakorn to undergo training for a minimum of 1 year and 6 months or a maximum of 3 years, but not after they turn 24 years old.

NewsThanakornSection 112lese majesteRoyal defamationStudent protest 2020Nonthaburi Juvenile and Family Courtfreedom of expressionMonarchy reform

Submitted on Sat, 24 Dec 2022 - 03:08 PMPrachatai

A new report published by the human rights group ARTICLE 19 has found that the Thai government’s treatment of pro-democracy protesters violated their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including by exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic to enact repressive emergency measures and using the royal defamation law against protesters.

Crowd control police blocking protesters from approaching the Democracy Monument during the anti-government protest on 18 November 2022

The report “Thailand: Denying the demand for democracy,” launched on 15 December, is one of a series of research reports published by ARTICLE 19 in its #FreeToProtest global campaign aiming to protect the right to protest. It focuses on the youth-led pro-democracy protests which started in 2020 in Thailand and whose demands range from democratic and constitutional reform and the repeal of the royal defamation law to reform of the monarchy.

The report found that the Thai authorities exploited the Covid-19 pandemic and used it to enact regulations under the State of Emergency to restrict pro-democracy protests, in addition to the Public Assembly Act. Critics of the monarchy tend to be harshly repressed and portrayed as enemies of the state. Protesters at the Din Daeng intersection, many of whom came from low-income backgrounds, also faced violence. Protesters have faced violent crackdowns and legal prosecutions. Many protest leaders have been charged in relation to their activism, denied bail and kept in pre-trial detention, and have faced extrajudicial harassment, including unofficial surveillance. Meanwhile, protests on other issues and those organized by royalist groups have not faced the same degree of repression.

David Diaz-Jogeiz, ARTICLE 19’s Senior Director of Programmes, said that the Thai government’s response to pro-democracy protests “continues to silence public discourse” as protesters go through a lengthy judicial process and that the right to peaceful protest without harassment or violence must be guaranteed.

“Thailand cannot protect the status quo by restricting civic space.” said Diaz-Jogeix. “Authorities that stand behind the excessive use of repressive legislation continue to elude accountability by placing themselves beyond criticism.”

The report calls on the Thai government to amend the Public Assembly Act and other laws relating to the right to assembly to be in line with international standards, which should include amendments to require protest organizers only to notify relevant authorities so that they can facilitate the protest, not to set conditions on protest activities. Information on notification procedures should also be made publicly available, and online notification should be easily accessible. Officials must facilitate the right to protest and ensure protesters can exercise their rights safely, end all unlawful surveillance and harassment, and protect children’s right to protest. Anyone responsible for the excessive and disproportionate use of force against protesters must be investigated and prosecuted.

The government must also ensure that any derogation of rights during a State of Emergency complies with international human rights standards and is proportionate to the situation. It must also drop all charges against protesters charged with violation of the Emergency Decree. Every movement should also enjoy an equal right to protest, and authorities should refrain from making stigmatizing comments about protesters.

The report also calls on Thai law enforcement to immediately end all use of violence to forcibly disperse peaceful protesters and dispersal must only take place when strictly necessary and in compliance with international standards, as well as be proportionate to the situation. Law enforcement officials should be trained on crowd-control methods and their obligation to facilitate the right to protest and must always be clearly identifiable by their uniforms. The police must also stop the arrest and detention of protesters solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of assembly.

NewsArticle 19freedom of assemblyfreedom of expressionPro-democracy movementcivic spaceCivic freedom

Submitted on Sat, 24 Dec 2022 - 03:08 PMPrachatai

A new report published by the human rights group ARTICLE 19 has found that the Thai government’s treatment of pro-democracy protesters violated their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including by exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic to enact repressive emergency measures and using the royal defamation law against protesters.

Crowd control police blocking protesters from approaching the Democracy Monument during the anti-government protest on 18 November 2022

The report “Thailand: Denying the demand for democracy,” launched on 15 December, is one of a series of research reports published by ARTICLE 19 in its #FreeToProtest global campaign aiming to protect the right to protest. It focuses on the youth-led pro-democracy protests which started in 2020 in Thailand and whose demands range from democratic and constitutional reform and the repeal of the royal defamation law to reform of the monarchy.

The report found that the Thai authorities exploited the Covid-19 pandemic and used it to enact regulations under the State of Emergency to restrict pro-democracy protests, in addition to the Public Assembly Act. Critics of the monarchy tend to be harshly repressed and portrayed as enemies of the state. Protesters at the Din Daeng intersection, many of whom came from low-income backgrounds, also faced violence. Protesters have faced violent crackdowns and legal prosecutions. Many protest leaders have been charged in relation to their activism, denied bail and kept in pre-trial detention, and have faced extrajudicial harassment, including unofficial surveillance. Meanwhile, protests on other issues and those organized by royalist groups have not faced the same degree of repression.

David Diaz-Jogeiz, ARTICLE 19’s Senior Director of Programmes, said that the Thai government’s response to pro-democracy protests “continues to silence public discourse” as protesters go through a lengthy judicial process and that the right to peaceful protest without harassment or violence must be guaranteed.

“Thailand cannot protect the status quo by restricting civic space.” said Diaz-Jogeix. “Authorities that stand behind the excessive use of repressive legislation continue to elude accountability by placing themselves beyond criticism.”

The report calls on the Thai government to amend the Public Assembly Act and other laws relating to the right to assembly to be in line with international standards, which should include amendments to require protest organizers only to notify relevant authorities so that they can facilitate the protest, not to set conditions on protest activities. Information on notification procedures should also be made publicly available, and online notification should be easily accessible. Officials must facilitate the right to protest and ensure protesters can exercise their rights safely, end all unlawful surveillance and harassment, and protect children’s right to protest. Anyone responsible for the excessive and disproportionate use of force against protesters must be investigated and prosecuted.

The government must also ensure that any derogation of rights during a State of Emergency complies with international human rights standards and is proportionate to the situation. It must also drop all charges against protesters charged with violation of the Emergency Decree. Every movement should also enjoy an equal right to protest, and authorities should refrain from making stigmatizing comments about protesters.

The report also calls on Thai law enforcement to immediately end all use of violence to forcibly disperse peaceful protesters and dispersal must only take place when strictly necessary and in compliance with international standards, as well as be proportionate to the situation. Law enforcement officials should be trained on crowd-control methods and their obligation to facilitate the right to protest and must always be clearly identifiable by their uniforms. The police must also stop the arrest and detention of protesters solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of assembly.

NewsArticle 19freedom of assemblyfreedom of expressionPro-democracy movementcivic spaceCivic freedom

Submitted on Fri, 23 Dec 2022 - 04:05 PMPrachatai X OCCRP

Yiamyut Sutthichaya (Prachatai)

Jared Ferrie (OCCRP)

Prosecutors in Thailand have indicted a U.S. citizen and an accused arms dealer from Myanmar for their alleged roles in laundering drug money by purchasing energy from a Thai state-owned company, and sending it over the border to be sold in Myanmar.

       Tun Min Latt (yellow tie) visits an arms exhibition in Bangkok in 2019 with Myanmar leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing (second from left) ,Credit: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing/Government of Myanmar seniorgeneralminaunghlaing.com

The indictment, which was not announced publicly but was seen by Prachatai and OCCRP, was filed on December 13 against Thai-American Dean Gultula, and a well-connected Myanmar tycoon named Tun Min Latt. 

The suspects face charges of money laundering and transnational organized crime, which each may carry a prison term of up to 15 years in Thailand. They are also charged with offenses related to drug trafficking, which can result in the death penalty in extreme cases. 

Also indicted were a Thailand-registered firm connected to both men, called Allure Group (P&E) Co Ltd, and two other people involved in the company. Allure Group (P&E) was used to “transform money gained from offences related to drugs into commodities in the form of electricity that was exported to Myanmar,” the indictment reads. 

Tun Min Latt is accused of transferring funds derived from drug sales to the electricity company. Gultula allegedly oversaw the transfer of funds to Allure Group (P&E) from a related firm, Myanmar Allure Group Company Limited. 

The lawyers for the defendants are unknown, and the indictment did not identify them.

The Mae Sai Provincial Electricity Authority declined to comment. But a person within the national state-owned electricity company said, on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to media, that the authority has handed over documents to the Office of Narcotics Control at Thailand’s Ministry of Justice.

Yadanar Maung, a spokesperson for the activist group Justice For Myanmar, said the indictment against Tun Min Latt and his associates was a “positive development in seeing some accountability for their alleged money laundering, drug and related offenses.” 

“Tun Min Latt is a major enabler of the Myanmar military, supporting its crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity through providing sources of revenue and arms,” Yadanar Maung said.

In August, the U.K. sanctioned Tun Min Latt’s Star Sapphire Group of Companies, saying it “has been responsible for the brokering of deals for military goods.”

Gultula, Tun Min Latt, and other suspects were arrested on September 17 when Thai police and other agencies swooped in at dawn on several locations in Bangkok.

Just over two weeks later, an arrest warrant was also issued for Gultula’s father-in-law, the Thai senator Upakit Pachariyangkun, on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. But the warrant was quickly withdrawn, OCCRP and Prachatai reported.

Upakit was previously a director of Myanmar Allure Group. Corporate records show that he left the company in 2019, when he was appointed to the Senate by the military, which had overthrown Thailand’s civilian government five years earlier. 

The indictment shows that prosecutors are focused on crimes that took place between February 22 and May 10, 2019. Upakit took his seat in the Senate on May 14 that year. Three months later, Gultula became a director at Myanmar Allure Group.

“It is alarming that Tun Min Latt’s business partner, Upakit Pachariyangkun, has so far escaped justice,” Yadanar Maung said. 

Upakit’s assistant was unable to arrange an interview or provide a statement in time for publication. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok said it had no comment on the charges against Gultula. 

While the imposition of the mandatory death penalty is prohibited under international law, the death penalty in Thailand remains mandatory for a number of offences. In Thailand, there are ways to petition for clemency now and then each year.

FeaturedepthIn-DepthUpakit PachariyangkunTun Min LattMyanmar Allure GroupAllure Group (P&E)

Submitted on Fri, 23 Dec 2022 - 04:05 PMPrachatai X OCCRP

Yiamyut Sutthichaya (Prachatai)

Jared Ferrie (OCCRP)

Prosecutors in Thailand have indicted a U.S. citizen and an accused arms dealer from Myanmar for their alleged roles in laundering drug money by purchasing energy from a Thai state-owned company, and sending it over the border to be sold in Myanmar.

       Tun Min Latt (yellow tie) visits an arms exhibition in Bangkok in 2019 with Myanmar leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing (second from left) ,Credit: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing/Government of Myanmar seniorgeneralminaunghlaing.com

The indictment, which was not announced publicly but was seen by Prachatai and OCCRP, was filed on December 13 against Thai-American Dean Gultula, and a well-connected Myanmar tycoon named Tun Min Latt. 

The suspects face charges of money laundering and transnational organized crime, which each may carry a prison term of up to 15 years in Thailand. They are also charged with offenses related to drug trafficking, which can result in the death penalty in extreme cases. 

Also indicted were a Thailand-registered firm connected to both men, called Allure Group (P&E) Co Ltd, and two other people involved in the company. Allure Group (P&E) was used to “transform money gained from offences related to drugs into commodities in the form of electricity that was exported to Myanmar,” the indictment reads. 

Tun Min Latt is accused of transferring funds derived from drug sales to the electricity company. Gultula allegedly oversaw the transfer of funds to Allure Group (P&E) from a related firm, Myanmar Allure Group Company Limited. 

The lawyers for the defendants are unknown, and the indictment did not identify them.

The Mae Sai Provincial Electricity Authority declined to comment. But a person within the national state-owned electricity company said, on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to media, that the authority has handed over documents to the Office of Narcotics Control at Thailand’s Ministry of Justice.

Yadanar Maung, a spokesperson for the activist group Justice For Myanmar, said the indictment against Tun Min Latt and his associates was a “positive development in seeing some accountability for their alleged money laundering, drug and related offenses.” 

“Tun Min Latt is a major enabler of the Myanmar military, supporting its crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity through providing sources of revenue and arms,” Yadanar Maung said.

In August, the U.K. sanctioned Tun Min Latt’s Star Sapphire Group of Companies, saying it “has been responsible for the brokering of deals for military goods.”

Gultula, Tun Min Latt, and other suspects were arrested on September 17 when Thai police and other agencies swooped in at dawn on several locations in Bangkok.

Just over two weeks later, an arrest warrant was also issued for Gultula’s father-in-law, the Thai senator Upakit Pachariyangkun, on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. But the warrant was quickly withdrawn, OCCRP and Prachatai reported.

Upakit was previously a director of Myanmar Allure Group. Corporate records show that he left the company in 2019, when he was appointed to the Senate by the military, which had overthrown Thailand’s civilian government five years earlier. 

The indictment shows that prosecutors are focused on crimes that took place between February 22 and May 10, 2019. Upakit took his seat in the Senate on May 14 that year. Three months later, Gultula became a director at Myanmar Allure Group.

“It is alarming that Tun Min Latt’s business partner, Upakit Pachariyangkun, has so far escaped justice,” Yadanar Maung said. 

Upakit’s assistant was unable to arrange an interview or provide a statement in time for publication. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok said it had no comment on the charges against Gultula. 

While the imposition of the mandatory death penalty is prohibited under international law, the death penalty in Thailand remains mandatory for a number of offences. In Thailand, there are ways to petition for clemency now and then each year.

FeaturedepthIn-DepthUpakit PachariyangkunTun Min LattMyanmar Allure GroupAllure Group (P&E)

Submitted on Fri, 23 Dec 2022 - 12:26 PMTeeranai Charuvastra

Concern over the conditions of the King’s eldest daughter, who has spent the past week in hospital care, appears to have prompted some government agencies to cancel their New Year celebrations – but others said they’ll go ahead with the planned festivities.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha while attending the IAEA 58th General Conference. Vienna, Austria. 24 September 2014. (Source: IAEA Imagebank)

Although no official reason was given for those cancellations, the government in recent days has called for a large-scale campaign for prayers and religious rituals to wish Princess Bajrakitiyabha a speedy recovery. The 44-year-old was sent to a hospital in Bangkok after she collapsed due to unspecified “heart conditions” on 14 December, the palace said. 

Those calling off year-end festivities include the Office of the Court of Justice.  According to an internal document reported by local media, court officials will leave off celebrations to hold prayer sessions and give alms to monks on behalf of Princess Bajrakitiyabha. 

A similar measure was adopted by the Ministry of Education, local media reported on Friday, citing an internal memo.

The local administration in Chonburi province has also announced on its Facebook page that the New Year’s Eve countdown event in some districts has been scrapped.  No explanation was given. 

The beach town of Pattaya, a special administrative area independent of Chonburi municipality, likewise scaled down its New Year events. In an announcement posted on Friday, officials there said a series of New Year firework displays that were originally planned for 29-31 December have been canceled. 

A concert to herald the New Year will still take place as planned, the announcement said. 

In Chiang Mai province, a botanical garden announced the cancellation of its year-end “Night Light of Flora Festival” – only to reverse its decision a day later, after netizens bombarded its Facebook page with questions and messages of disappointment. 

The Royal Park Rajapruek said its event will now go ahead as planned from 26 December to 2 January. It cited communication errors for the U-turn and apologised. 

The flurry of cancellations doesn’t seem to be limited to the government sector either. AIS, one of the country’s major telecommunication firms, on Wednesday called off its mini-concert event featuring idol girl group BNK48 at Siam Center shopping mall, just two days before it was supposed to take place. AIS did not explain why.  

The palace has been largely silent on Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s treatment. In a statement released on Tuesday, the palace said the condition of Her Royal Highness, known to Thais simply as Princess Bha, is “stable to a certain extent.” 

It also said her heart is not functioning “as well as it should be,” before mentioning the use of unidentified machines to assist her vital organs. 

The show must go on 

Many business operators, especially in the hospitality and tourism industries, are betting their hopes on year-end festivals to recoup the losses suffered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced major countdown events to be canceled for two years in a row. 

Bucking the wave of anxiety over the princess’ health, some prominent tourism and trade organisations are adamant that the show must go on. 

An official for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, said its New Year countdown festivals – typically a large crowd drawer in pre-pandemic years – will be held as planned. “We will not cancel it,” an aide to TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said.

She added that Yuthasak himself will make a formal announcement over the matter on Friday. 

The Khaosan Road Business Association also said a countdown party will once again make a return to the famed backpacker street after a two-year hiatus.

“The Prime Minister didn’t order any ban on it,” association president Sa-nga Ruangwatthanakul quipped when asked whether the street party will still take place this year. 

He said the festival will be a welcome boost to Khaosan Road businesses which bore the brunt of economic hardship during the pandemic years. 

“Many Thai people haven’t had a chance to celebrate a New Year’s Eve countdown for 2 years now,” said Sa-nga, who has been vocal in pushing for business reopenings. “And tourists don’t care about COVID anymore. I believe that it’ll be a lively event.” 

FeaturetourismTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)Khaosan RoadPrincess BajrakitiyabhaAISPattaya

Submitted on Fri, 23 Dec 2022 - 12:26 PMTeeranai Charuvastra

Concern over the conditions of the King’s eldest daughter, who has spent the past week in hospital care, appears to have prompted some government agencies to cancel their New Year celebrations – but others said they’ll go ahead with the planned festivities.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha while attending the IAEA 58th General Conference. Vienna, Austria. 24 September 2014. (Source: IAEA Imagebank)

Although no official reason was given for those cancellations, the government in recent days has called for a large-scale campaign for prayers and religious rituals to wish Princess Bajrakitiyabha a speedy recovery. The 44-year-old was sent to a hospital in Bangkok after she collapsed due to unspecified “heart conditions” on 14 December, the palace said. 

Those calling off year-end festivities include the Office of the Court of Justice.  According to an internal document reported by local media, court officials will leave off celebrations to hold prayer sessions and give alms to monks on behalf of Princess Bajrakitiyabha. 

A similar measure was adopted by the Ministry of Education, local media reported on Friday, citing an internal memo.

The local administration in Chonburi province has also announced on its Facebook page that the New Year’s Eve countdown event in some districts has been scrapped.  No explanation was given. 

The beach town of Pattaya, a special administrative area independent of Chonburi municipality, likewise scaled down its New Year events. In an announcement posted on Friday, officials there said a series of New Year firework displays that were originally planned for 29-31 December have been canceled. 

A concert to herald the New Year will still take place as planned, the announcement said. 

She said an official announcement will soon be made, but did not say when. 

In Chiang Mai province, a botanical garden announced the cancellation of its year-end “Night Light of Flora Festival” – only to reverse its decision a day later, after netizens bombarded its Facebook page with questions and messages of disappointment. 

The Royal Park Rajapruek said its event will now go ahead as planned from 26 December to 2 January. It cited communication errors for the U-turn and apologised. 

The flurry of cancellations doesn’t seem to be limited to the government sector either. AIS, one of the country’s major telecommunication firms, on Wednesday called off its mini-concert event featuring idol girl group BNK48 at Siam Center shopping mall, just two days before it was supposed to take place. AIS did not explain why.  

The palace has been largely silent on Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s treatment. In a statement released on Tuesday, the palace said the condition of Her Royal Highness, known to Thais simply as Princess Bha, is “stable to a certain extent.” 

It also said her heart is not functioning “as well as it should be,” before mentioning the use of unidentified machines to assist her vital organs. 

The show must go on 

Many business operators, especially in the hospitality and tourism industries, are betting their hopes on year-end festivals to recoup the losses suffered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced major countdown events to be canceled for two years in a row. 

Bucking the wave of anxiety over the princess’ health, some prominent tourism and trade organisations are adamant that the show must go on. 

An official for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, said its New Year countdown festivals – typically a large crowd drawer in pre-pandemic years – will be held as planned. “We will not cancel it,” an aide to TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said.

She added that Yuthasak himself will make a formal announcement over the matter on Friday. 

The Khaosan Road Business Association also said a countdown party will once again make a return to the famed backpacker street after a two-year hiatus.

“The Prime Minister didn’t order any ban on it,” association president Sa-nga Ruangwatthanakul quipped when asked whether the street party will still take place this year. 

He said the festival will be a welcome boost to Khaosan Road businesses which bore the brunt of economic hardship during the pandemic years. 

“Many Thai people haven’t had a chance to celebrate a New Year’s Eve countdown for 2 years now,” said Sa-nga, who has been vocal in pushing for business reopenings. “And tourists don’t care about COVID anymore. I believe that it’ll be a lively event.” 

FeaturetourismTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)Khaosan RoadPrincess BajrakitiyabhaAISPattaya

Submitted on Thu, 22 Dec 2022 - 05:36 PMPrachatai

A Ramkhamhaeng University student has been sentenced to prison on royal defamation charges for allegedly sharing Facebook posts containing misinformation about the King’s health and is currently detained at Bangkok Remand Prison while his bail request is forwarded to the Appeal Court.

Aukit Santiprasitkul (Photo from iLaw)

Aukit Santiprasitkul, 23, a student at the Faculty of Law, Ramkhamhaeng University, was charged with royal defamation and bringing into a computer system data which affects national security under the Computer Crimes Act. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), he was arrested in June 2021 and accused of sharing Facebook posts claiming that King Vajiralongkorn has certain diseases which the inquiry officer said was insulting towards the King.

He was also later accused of sharing 3 other Facebook posts defaming the King, including one which contains a picture of the King and a message saying that “this is this year’s corrupt person,” another which contains a picture of King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit, and the then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn along with a message about family relationships; and another which claimed Queen Suthida had Covid-19.

TLHR reported yesterday (21 December) that the Criminal Court found Aukit guilty of 5 counts of royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act and sentenced him to 3 years in prison on each count. The Court then reduced his sentence to 1 year and 6 months for each count because he confessed, giving him a total prison time of 7 years and 6 months. The Court also did not suspend his sentence on the grounds that even though he has never been sentenced to prison, he committed a serious offense by causing the public to misunderstand the monarchy, damaging their reputation, and inciting hatred of the monarchy.

Aukit’s lawyer then filed a bail request. However, the Court decided that the request must be forwarded to the Appeal Court, which is likely to rule on it within the next few days. In the meantime, Aukit will be detained at Bangkok Remand Prison. 

Aukit is also facing another royal defamation charge for sharing a Facebook post about a protest in front of a hotel in Germany. The charge resulted from a complaint filed against him by Siwapan Manitkul.

Siwapan also filed a royal defamation complaint against Punyaphat (last name withheld), a 29-year-old man with mental illness, who was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison for posts he made in the Facebook group Royalist Marketplace about King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida’s popularity and the King’s trips to Germany. According to TLHR, Siwapan has filed at least 9 royal defamation complaints against other citizens for social media posts. 

According to TLHR, at least 225 people are facing royal defamation charges in 243 cases, 129 of which are related to social media activities. Of the 243 cases, 111 resulted from complaints filed by members of the public.

Update: 

TLHR reported on Saturday (24 December) that the Appeal Court denied Aukrit's bail request on the ground that the charges carry a severe penalty and affects public peace and order and national security. 

NewsAukit SantiprasitkulSiwapan ManitkulSection 112Royal defamationlese majesteRamkhamhaeng universityComputer Crimes Act

Submitted on Thu, 22 Dec 2022 - 05:36 PMPrachatai

A Ramkhamhaeng University student has been sentenced to prison on royal defamation charges for allegedly sharing Facebook posts containing misinformation about the King’s health and is currently detained at Bangkok Remand Prison while his bail request is forwarded to the Appeal Court.

Aukit Santiprasitkul (Photo from iLaw)

Aukit Santiprasitkul, 23, a student at the Faculty of Law, Ramkhamhaeng University, was charged with royal defamation and bringing into a computer system data which affects national security under the Computer Crimes Act. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), he was arrested in June 2021 and accused of sharing Facebook posts claiming that King Vajiralongkorn has certain diseases which the inquiry officer said was insulting towards the King.

He was also later accused of sharing 3 other Facebook posts defaming the King, including one which contains a picture of the King and a message saying that “this is this year’s corrupt person,” another which contains a picture of King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit, and the then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn along with a message about family relationships; and another which claimed Queen Suthida had Covid-19.

TLHR reported yesterday (21 December) that the Criminal Court found Aukit guilty of 5 counts of royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act and sentenced him to 3 years in prison on each count. The Court then reduced his sentence to 1 year and 6 months for each count because he confessed, giving him a total prison time of 7 years and 6 months. The Court also did not suspend his sentence on the grounds that even though he has never been sentenced to prison, he committed a serious offense by causing the public to misunderstand the monarchy, damaging their reputation, and inciting hatred of the monarchy.

Aukit’s lawyer then filed a bail request. However, the Court decided that the request must be forwarded to the Appeal Court, which is likely to rule on it within the next few days. In the meantime, Aukit will be detained at Bangkok Remand Prison. 

Aukit is also facing another royal defamation charge for sharing a Facebook post about a protest in front of a hotel in Germany. The charge resulted from a complaint filed against him by Siwapan Manitkul.

Siwapan also filed a royal defamation complaint against Punyaphat (last name withheld), a 29-year-old man with mental illness, who was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison for posts he made in the Facebook group Royalist Marketplace about King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida’s popularity and the King’s trips to Germany. According to TLHR, Siwapan has filed at least 9 royal defamation complaints against other citizens for social media posts. 

According to TLHR, at least 225 people are facing royal defamation charges in 243 cases, 129 of which are related to social media activities. Of the 243 cases, 111 resulted from complaints filed by members of the public.

NewsAukit SantiprasitkulSiwapan ManitkulSection 112Royal defamationlese majesteRamkhamhaeng universityComputer Crimes Act

Submitted on Thu, 22 Dec 2022 - 05:29 PMPrachatai

Students at Mahasarakham University attempted to protest during the university’s graduation event, before being stopped by police and military officers, one of whom pushed a student into a nearby pond.

Two students surronded by police officers while holding signs saying “All humans are born equal” and “Feudal degrees”

In a Facebook live video broadcast at around 13.00 on 20 December by the student activist group Move High, two students were seen standing among family members of graduates waiting for the ceremony, which was presided over by Princess Sirindhorn, King Vajiralongkorn’s younger sister. The students were holding signs saying “All humans are born equal” and “Feudal degrees” and were surrounded by plainclothes police officers.

While walking away from the spot where they were originally standing, they were surrounded by plainclothes and uniformed military officers, who told them to put the signs away and leave. As they were passing a pond on campus, an officer attempted to seize the signs, pushing them into the water in the process.

Kriangkrai Banchongpuk, a 1st year student from the Mahasarakham University’s College of Politics and Governance, said that the students wanted to show that everyone is equal, royal or not, and that graduates do not need to receive their degree certificates from members of the royal family. He said that the certificates can be given by a university dean or the students’ lecturers or parents to reduce the cost of organizing a graduation ceremony.

Kriangkrai said that he and his friend were surrounded by plainclothes military and police officers and uniformed military officers. He said that the students tried to tell the officers that they were exercising their constitutional right, but the officers said that they are responsible for security at the event and asked the students to leave.

He said that the students were told the officers would escort them out, but he believed they were tricked as the officers led them behind a building and tried to take their signs away. Once they refused to put the signs away, the officers tried to pull the signs out of their hands and in the process pushed Kriangkrai into a nearby pond.

After Kriangkrai’s friends pulled him out of the water, a police officer who said he was an inspector from the Muang Mahasarakham Police Station came to apologize to them and said that they will be allowed to leave campus without being followed. However, Kriangkrai noted that the officer knew his name even though he did not know the officer.

Nevertheless, the students were followed by three plainclothes officers who approached them and asked them to go to the police station for ‘a talk’ and coffee. They initially refused but had to relent and were taken to a nearby coffee shop before another friend came to pick them up.

Once the students arrived at their home, they were visited by plainclothes police officer, a uniformed military officer, and an official from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security who said they had come to monitor the students because they were concerned the students would try to protest again. The officers only left the house after the end of the graduation ceremony, when Princess Sirindhorn left the campus.

NewsMaha SarakhamMahasarakham UniversityMonarchy reformGraduation ceremony

Submitted on Thu, 22 Dec 2022 - 05:29 PMPrachatai

Students at Mahasarakham University attempted to protest during the university’s graduation event, before being stopped by police and military officers, one of whom pushed a student into a nearby pond.

Two students surronded by police officers while holding signs saying “All humans are born equal” and “Feudal degrees”

In a Facebook live video broadcast at around 13.00 on 20 December by the student activist group Move High, two students were seen standing among family members of graduates waiting for the ceremony, which was presided over by Princess Sirindhorn, King Vajiralongkorn’s younger sister. The students were holding signs saying “All humans are born equal” and “Feudal degrees” and were surrounded by plainclothes police officers.

While walking away from the spot where they were originally standing, they were surrounded by plainclothes and uniformed military officers, who told them to put the signs away and leave. As they were passing a pond on campus, an officer attempted to seize the signs, pushing them into the water in the process.

Kriangkrai Banchongpuk, a 1st year student from the Mahasarakham University’s College of Politics and Governance, said that the students wanted to show that everyone is equal, royal or not, and that graduates do not need to receive their degree certificates from members of the royal family. He said that the certificates can be given by a university dean or the students’ lecturers or parents to reduce the cost of organizing a graduation ceremony.

Kriangkrai said that he and his friend were surrounded by plainclothes military and police officers and uniformed military officers. He said that the students tried to tell the officers that they were exercising their constitutional right, but the officers said that they are responsible for security at the event and asked the students to leave.

He said that the students were told the officers would escort them out, but he believed they were tricked as the officers led them behind a building and tried to take their signs away. Once they refused to put the signs away, the officers tried to pull the signs out of their hands and in the process pushed Kriangkrai into a nearby pond.

After Kriangkrai’s friends pulled him out of the water, a police officer who said he was an inspector from the Muang Mahasarakham Police Station came to apologize to them and said that they will be allowed to leave campus without being followed. However, Kriangkrai noted that the officer knew his name even though he did not know the officer.

Nevertheless, the students were followed by three plainclothes officers who approached them and asked them to go to the police station for ‘a talk’ and coffee. They initially refused but had to relent and were taken to a nearby coffee shop before another friend came to pick them up.

Once the students arrived at their home, they were visited by plainclothes police officer, a uniformed military officer, and an official from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security who said they had come to monitor the students because they were concerned the students would try to protest again. The officers only left the house after the end of the graduation ceremony, when Princess Sirindhorn left the campus.

NewsMaha SarakhamMahasarakham UniversityMonarchy reformGraduation ceremony

Submitted on Thu, 22 Dec 2022 - 03:25 PMPrachatai

A month has passed since police officers stomped and beat reporters while dispersing an APEC 2022 protest. Calls for an investigation by media associations have met with little progress.

In this file photo from 29 November 2022, protesters in front of the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai hold up images that depict the police crackdown on the 18 November protest. 

“Not a single soul has contacted me”, said Chalinee Thirasupa, a media photographer whose right eye was pierced by a glass shard from a bottle thrown at her from behind the police line.

She was injured on 18 November 2022 while taking photos of a clash between Stop APEC protesters and crowd control police units at Dinsor Road, about 8 km away from the APEC 2022 Summit venue.

A video shows the bottle shattering on the hood of a police pickup truck parked near where the photographers were standing. A piece of glass pieces ricocheted straight into Chalinee’s face. A hospital scan later showed that the impact left a 6-mm wound on the sclera of her right eye, just one millimetre away from the pupil. A single millimetre saved her from a severe eye injury, if not the loss of her eyesight.

• Exclusive: Bottle thrown at media from police lines at APEC protest
• Reporters injured during crackdown on protest march

Chalinee was one many photographers and journalists who were injured and suffered damage to their belongings while covering the protest that day.  The incident included an overt act of police brutality; a group of riot police shoved one reporter from the MATTER to the ground, beating and kicking him.  One was overheard threatening him, “you’d better watch it; I am the real deal.”

Since that day, wounds have healed.  Despite a police spokesperson’s vow to set up an internal investigation, those injured in the episode have yet to be informed of responsibility.

Nowhere near a conclusion

Since that day, media representatives  - notably an editor from the MATTER, Chalinee, and a delegate from the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) - have continued to demand an explanation from the police. 

Their efforts resulted in an admission by a police spokesperson to a Parliamentary committee that the crackdown was done before the police obtained a Court order, a legal procedure necessary for a protest dispersal. Despite this, there has been no indication of anyone being held liable or subject to punishment.

On 21 November 2022, Teeranai Charuvastra led a group of TJA representatives to the Royal Thai Police Headquarters to submit a petition to the Police Chief, demanding an internal committee be set up to investigate the police’s action toward the media on 18 November.

Pol Maj Gen Archayon Kraithong, a police spokesperson, came out to receive the letter. He said the petition would be passed on to an already-established fact-finding committee over the incident. He also said that the people and the petitioners would be informed of the committee’s findings.

Teeranai, the TJA vice president for rights, liberties, and media reform, said the aim of the submission was to find a way for media workers to operate in such circumstances without having to risk injury. He added that scrutiny was needed to find and fix mistakes.

According to Teeranai, there have been several talks between TJA and the police over media safety, but problems continue to arise when journalists cover protest sites.

20 people were reportedly injured during the police’s dispersal on 18 November. The most severe case was Phayu Boonsophon, an activist whose right eye was blinded by the police’s rubber bullet. 

At least 4 members of the press were also injured. Several were hit by crowd control police shields and batons, one was assaulted by a group of crowd control officers while livestreaming the protest, and a photographer was hit in the head with a fragment of a glass bottle thrown from behind the police lines. A citizen journalist was also assaulted and arrested.

Newspress freedomThai Journalists Association (TJA)Archayon KraithongAPEC 2022Teeranai CharuvastraChalinee Thirasupa