Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR)
established on 24th May 2014, two days following the coup in 2014, by a group of human rights lawyers and social activists. Initially as an ad-hoc organization, TLHR aimed to provide legal and litigation assistance to individuals who had been summoned, arrested, and detained by the military as a result of the 2014 coup.
UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Finds the Detention of Human Rights Lawyer Arnon Nampa Arbitrary and Calls for his Immediate Release
During its 100th session in late August 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued its opinion (Opinion No. 28/2024) on the detention of human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa under Section 112 (lèse-majesté) of the Thai Criminal Code. The Working Group concludes that the deprivation of Mr. Nampa’s liberty is arbitrary as it violates […]
admin05
16/12/2567
Thailand’s Recent Election to the UN Human Rights Council — Explained
On 9 October 2024, Thailand won a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) following the election for the 2025-2027 term. Alongside Thailand, successful bids for a seat on the Council by other countries in the Asia-Pacific region include Cyprus, the Republic of Korea, Qatar, and the Marshall Islands. Thailand will begin its […]
Admin28
21/10/2567
September 2024: No. of individuals prosecuted in political cases: 1,959 persons in 1,305 cases
Last September, there was at least one new case under Section 112 and Section 116 each. One more individual has been detained pending trial. One individual convicted under Section 112 has been discharged under the Royal Pardon Decree while the amnesty bills are being considered in Parliament. Meanwhile, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights has submitted […]
admin06
17/10/2567
Report on the Seminar to Launch the Book “Feathers on the Scales”: the Life and Experiences of Human Rights Lawyers Who Work to “Serve the People”
February 20, 2024, marked Lawyer’s Day in Thailand, and at the SCC Creative Space in Bangkok (BTS Ratchathewi), a seminar titled “The Role of Lawyers in Protecting Human Rights” was held. The event also launched the book “Feathers on the Scales: 10 Interviews on the Life and Experiences of Human Rights Lawyers” which tells the […]
Admin20
28/02/2568
Prosecutor indicted 9 Malayu activists under Section 116 for their involvement in organizing the Melayu Raya cultural gathering in Pattani Province in May 2022
On 23 January 2025, at the Pattani Provincial Court, a prosecutor from the Office of Criminal Litigation 4 Region 9 issued an indictment order against nine Muslim activists on charges under Sections 116 (sedition), 209 (secret society), and 210 (conspiracy) of the Criminal Code, as well as the Emergency Decree. These charges stemmed from their […]
admin05
28/02/2568
Malay HRDs attended advocacy meetings in Bangkok to provide details about cultural rights in Southern Border Provinces
On 28 August 2024, human rights defenders (HRDs) from Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces and Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) met with the diplomatic community at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok to provide briefing about the ongoing criminal proceedings against the HRDs for exercising their right to freedom expression. The meeting was attended by […]
Admin21
06/09/2567
UN Letter to Thai Government: UN Experts “Alarmed” by Record-Breaking 50-Year Prison Term under Thailand’s Lèse-Majesté Law
On 13 March 2024, UN Special Procedures submitted a joint letter of allegation to the Thai government concerning the use of the lèse-majesté law by Thai authorities to prosecute individuals who expressed opinions deemed to be critical of the Thai monarchy. In particular, this letter came after the Thai Court of Appeals Region 5 sentenced […]
admin010
28/05/2567
Secretariat of the House of Representatives launched a public consultation on People’s Amnesty Bill, which will take place between 13 May-12 June 2024 via Parliamentary website
On 8 May 2024, Pol. Sub-Lt. Arpath Sukhanan, secretary of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Secretariat of The House of Representatives, sent a letter to Ms. Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen, a representative from the People’s Amnesty Network who kickstarted the introduction of the People’s Amnesty Bill into Parliament. The letter indicates that the Bill […]
admin010
24/05/2567
Pro-democracy activist “Bung” passed away while in the custody of the Department of Corrections
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) urgently calls your attention to the passing of pro-democracy activist and human rights defender, Ms. Natiporn or “Bung” (last name withheld), on the morning of 14 May 2024, while she was in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Her detention stemmed from her conviction on 26 January 2024 […]
admin62
15/05/2567
December 2024: Arnon convicted in two successive cases under Section 112 – Court of Appeals overturning verdict on royal portrait pain-throwing case – More verdicts delivered in five public assembly cases
In December 2024, there were no new cases related to freedom of expression or public assemblies. However, several similar cases remain pending in the courts. Throughout the month, new verdicts have been issued in at least eight Section 112 cases and five political assembly cases. Notable among these involved lawyer Arnon Nampa, who was sentenced […]
Advocacy Team
23/01/2568
November 2024: Six additional cases – the public prosecutor continues to pursue Emergency Decree indictments despite four years having passed. Meanwhile, Arnon protests in court by removing his shirt after the court refuses to summon requested documents.
Last November saw three new cases, including one Section 112 case in the South. Meanwhile, “Netiwit” was charged for his act of conscientious objection by refusing to participate in military conscription. Additionally, three activists in Chiang Mai were summoned to face charges of insulting the Constitutional Court for activities carried out in 2022. November saw […]
Advocacy Team
14/01/2568
October 2024: Six convictions and three dismissals in Section 112 cases, meanwhile public prosecutor persisting on prosecuting cases related to public assemblies during 2020-2021
In October, at least one new Section 112 case was filed, although no additional detainees were held pending trial. Five prisoners who had been convicted were released, including two individuals convicted under Section 112. Last month, during the witness examination in Section 112 trials, there were instances where the defendants could not be contacted. The […]
Advocacy Team
08/11/2567
TLHR and Freedom Bridge Submitted a Report on the Right to Health of Thai Political Prisoners to UN Expert Ahead of Her Country Visit to Thailand
On 20 January 2025, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and Freedom Bridge submitted an input to the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health in preparation for her upcoming country visit to Thailand from 18 to 28 February 2025. […]
Advocacy Team
29/01/2568 December 2024: Arnon convicted in two successive cases under Section 112 – Court of Appeals overturning verdict on royal portrait pain-throwing case – More verdicts delivered in five public assembly cases
In December 2024, there were no new cases related to freedom of expression or public assemblies. However, several similar cases remain pending in the courts. Throughout the month, new verdicts have been issued in at least eight Section 112 cases and five political assembly cases. Notable among these involved lawyer Arnon Nampa, who was sentenced […]
Advocacy Team
23/01/2568 UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Finds the Detention of Human Rights Lawyer Arnon Nampa Arbitrary and Calls for his Immediate Release
During its 100th session in late August 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued its opinion (Opinion No. 28/2024) on the detention of human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa under Section 112 (lèse-majesté) of the Thai Criminal Code. The Working Group concludes that the deprivation of Mr. Nampa’s liberty is arbitrary as it violates […]
admin05
16/12/2567
Public Statement on Section 112 and the Ruling to Dissolve the Move Forward Party: Undermining adaptability of a political system in response to changes in Thai society
On 7 August 2024, pursuant to a petition from the Election Commission of Thailand, the Constitutional Court ruled (Case No. 10/2567) to dissolve the Move Forward Party. The petition from the Election Commission stemmed from several factors, including: The Court determines that such acts are tantamount to an attempt to overthrow the system of government, […]
admin010
20/08/2567
Overcoming Threats with a Brave Heart : Opening speech for Murdered Justice 21 May 2024
To all who cherish and desire democracy Coup in 2014 The coup in 2014 had a profound impact on Thai society and people. At the time, the coup took away the opportunity for Thai society to peacefully progress towards democracy. Although many citizens demanded and expressed their desire for change, they were instead subjected to […]
admin02
24/05/2567
“Thai Lawyers for Human Rights’s StatementTLHR Expresses Concern Regarding the Constitutional Court’s Ruling Finding that Proposals to Amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code Constitute An Act to Overthrow the Government”
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights’s Statement TLHR Expresses Concern Regarding the Constitutional Court’s Ruling Finding that Proposals to Amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code Constitute An Act to Overthrow the Government On 31 January 2024, the Constitutional Court ruled that Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat and the Move Forward Party violated Section 49, paragraph 1, of […]