Thai

Thai Activist Anon Nampa Faces 29-Year Total Prison Sentence as Royal Defamation Charges Mount

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BANGKOK, Thailand — Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa has received a prison sentence of two years and four months on charges including royal defamation and sedition. This verdict adds to his growing total sentence, now standing at 29 years and one month, marking a significant moment in ongoing debates over freedom of expression and the monarchy in Thailand. Anon faced multiple allegations stemming from his participation in a protest on November 17, 2020, which called for constitutional amendments. He was convicted after a court determined that remarks he made during the protest constituted royal defamation. … Read more

UN Experts Urge Thai Government to Drop Charges Against Human Rights Defender Amid Ongoing Free Speech Concerns

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Bangkok, Thailand — United Nations experts expressed deep concerns Friday regarding the judicial actions against prominent Thai human rights advocate Pimsiri Petchnamrob. They called on the Thai government to withdraw all charges against her and other activists who participated in pro-democracy demonstrations. The experts also urged Thai authorities to reconsider and repeal lèse-majesté laws, which are seen as suppressing freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. In their statements, the experts reaffirmed their previous appeals to amend or eliminate these laws, which have fostered an environment of fear and self-censorship among the public. They emphasized that … Read more

Unsolved and Unseen: Two Decades Without Justice for Disappeared Thai Human Rights Lawyer

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Bangkok, Thailand – Over twenty years have passed since the disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit, a notable Thai human rights lawyer, yet no government since has successfully convicted those responsible. Somchai vanished on March 12, 2004, fueling two decades of international concern and domestic frustration towards the Thai judiciary system. He was last seen alive in Bangkok, and subsequent queries point to law enforcement agencies as the prime suspects. Somchai was known for his vigorous advocacy against police brutality, particularly concerning the alleged torture of Muslim suspects in the south of Thailand. This activism is believed … Read more

Thai Activist Lawyer Arnon Nampa Sentenced Again Under Lèse-majesté as Calls for Monarchy Reform Persist

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Bangkok, Thailand — Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa has received his sixth conviction under Thailand’s stringent lèse-majesté laws, culminating from his role in a pro-democracy protest in August 2020. Currently detained, Nampa faces almost 19 years in prison with additional charges still pending. Nampa, notable for his vocal criticism of the Thai monarchy, has faced a dozen royal defamation charges to date. His detentions have sparked widespread concern amongst human rights advocates, pointing to an intensifying crackdown on democratic expressions in the nation. The controversy centers on allegations stemming from Nampa’s speeches calling for … Read more