Thai

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

Enduring Peril: Thai Journalist Prevails in Battle Against Corporate Goliath Over Environmental Reporting

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Bangkok, Thailand – Pratch Rujivanarom, a Thai environmental journalist with expertise in the Mekong region, has faced numerous legal challenges during his career, particularly from powerful business entities looking to suppress dissent. His journey through the minefield of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) began as a junior reporter when he was sued for defamation by a Thai mining company operating in Myanmar, following his reporting on the company’s detrimental impact on a local village. This marked the beginning of a prolonged legal struggle that highlighted the broader issue of SLAPPs, not only in Thailand … Read more

Amnesty International Decries Thai Court’s Decision in NSO Group Spyware Case as Major Setback for Human Rights Advocates

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Bangkok, Thailand – Amnesty International has expressed grave concerns following a Thai court’s decision to dismiss a lawsuit against NSO Group Technologies, which was accused of misusing its Pegasus spyware. This ruling represents a severe blow to efforts aiming to protect privacy and human rights within the region. The case, initiated by Thai pro-democracy activist Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, also known as Pai Dao Din, centered on allegations that NSO Group failed to prevent the abusive deployment of its spyware against activists. Pai took legal action following alerts from Apple and a comprehensive 2022 report indicating that … Read more