Thai

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

San Jose Doctor Sues Over Excessively Spicy Thai Appetizer, Case Heads to Jury Trial

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San Jose, Calif. – In a spicy twist, a lawsuit brought forth by a San Jose physician arguing she suffered internal burns from an extra spicy appetizer named Dragon Balls at a Thai restaurant in Los Gatos is gearing up for a jury trial next year. The legal challenge highlights the unusual and severe physical reaction the doctor claims to have endured after dining at the restaurant. The incident that spurred the lawsuit occurred when the doctor, whose specialty is pediatric care, visited the Thai restaurant with expectations of enjoying a regular meal. According to … Read more

Thai Court Approves Criminal Lawsuit Against Officers for 2004 Tak Bai Incident, Paving Way for Justice

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Narathiwat, Thailand – A recent court ruling has granted victims of a violent protest in 2004 the right to pursue a criminal lawsuit against several former officials, offering a glimmer of hope nearly two decades after the tragic events at the Tak Bai protest. These events resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, triggering widespread criticism and a prolonged quest for justice. The decision made by the Narathiwat Provincial Court allows the filing of charges against certain former military and police leaders for their alleged roles in the human rights violations during the dispersal of over … Read more