Our interview series “First Sermon before taking the path towards democracy: Background stories before the political awakening of Ratsadon monks/novices” are divided into three parts. Each of them presents the stories of individual monks and novices with unique backgrounds and paths leading them to join the fight for equality. Read Part 1 >> Luang Pee Phupha: […]
“[Riot Control police officers] did not ask me any question. I told them, ‘I am not here for the rally. I only came to drop a passenger off.’ Still, they pulled me in, took me outside, and beat me up.” The above statement came from Khem (Pseudonym), a 33-year-old motorbike taxi driver who was recounting […]
Human rights situation amidst the Covid-19 pandemic The current wave of the Covid-19 pandemic that has begun since April is still ongoing. In this period, infection cases have surged rapidly with the new daily infection cases exceeding 10,000 since 17 July. As a result, hospitals became overwhelmed and could not supply enough beds for patients. […]
Between 18 July 2020, the first Free Youth rally, and 22 July 2021, a total of 34,509,500 baht (approx. 1,049,942 USD)[1] were paid to the court as bail surety for 582 times for 404 individuals in 167 cases.[2] Such high amounts of surety money illustrate the overburdening costs put on those charged from exercising civil […]
According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR)’s documentation records, at least 34 people have been charged with “Contempt of Court” for political reasons in 18 cases since the Free Youth Group’s first demonstration on 18 July 2020. Among the total cases, 16 of them are linked to the accused’s involvement in activities calling for […]
The hashtag #19SeptReturnPowerToThePeople was widely used to refer to the two-day demonstration held by “Ratsadon Group” at the Royal Plaza and Thammasat University from 19 to 20 September 2020. This rally is well-known for several of its distinctive features. It is estimated that around 200,000 protestors attended the event; many camped out at the Royal Garden and […]
The hashtag #19SeptReturnPowerToThePeople was widely used to refer to the two-day demonstration held by “Ratsadon Group” at the Royal Plaza and Thammasat University from 19 to 20 September 2020. This rally is well-known for several of its distinctive features. It is estimated that around 200,000 protestors attended the event; many camped out at the Royal Garden and […]
• Since the outset of her political awakening, Sand (Pseudonym), a 15-year-old youth, has begun her involvement in pro-democracy activities in her hometown in Phu Khiao district of Chaiyaphume province and neighboring district Chumpae. Gradually, she expanded her activism into other areas. At times, she was a mere participant, whereas sometimes she would go up […]
A 30-year-old man delivered a well-paced, smooth speech with his pleasant voice that one could listen to all day long. He appeared on stage wearing a crop top with red sweatpants, looking entirely different from other Ratsadon protest leaders. His style resembled the well-known look of “Justin Bieber,” an internationally renowned teenage superstar. Because of […]
During the protest movement for rights, liberties, and democracy that began in 2020, youths- any persons younger than 18 years old- have played a critical role in organizing and participating in political activities inside and outside their educational institutions. They have also been actively contributing to pushing the limits of public discussion on social and […]
The coup d’état on 22 May 2014 has left greater long-lasting legacies and enduring challenges for the resumption of democratic rule in Thailand than any previous coup over the past few decades. After the junta that launched the coup, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) ruled the country for five years, one month, […]
The name of “Sam Samat” or “Art” appeared on the news on 26 March 2021 as several media outlets reported that the authorities arrested him at his apartment in the Don Muang area under a court-issued warrant. It was alleged that he was the same man pictured to be pretending to urinate on the shipping […]
