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- Cartoon by Stephff: Back casino bill or elseCartoon by Stephff: Back casino bill or elseeng editor 1
Cartoon by Stephff: Back casino bill or else
18 April 18 202511381 at http://prachataienglish.com - A Laughing LamentA Laughing Lamenteng editor 1It has been 6 years since the body of Chatchan Bupphawan, or 'Comrade Phuchana', was found in the Mekong River in December 2018. Phuchana was one of the political exiles fleeing the country after the 2014 military coup.The trail has since gone cold. No progress has so far been made in the investigation into his death. But his family must go on living. To keep the fire burning, each December, Phuchana's family members and their friends gather at his home in Mukdahan to celebrate and heal, so that they can go on despite the fading hope of justice for political exiles and enforced disappearance victims.Prachatai presents "A Laughing Lament," a documentary by Burapat Chanpratad, filmed in December 2024 at the gathering for the 6th annivesary of Phuchana's death.17 April 17 202511380 at http://prachataienglish.com
- Thai prison population grows, overcrowding remains unaddressed, annual report findsThai prison population grows, overcrowding remains unaddressed, annual report findseng editor 1
Thailand’s prison system came under renewed international scrutiny amid the Thai authorities’ slow and insufficient efforts to adopt and implement alternative measures to incarceration in 2024, FIDH and the Union for Civil Liberty (UCL) said in their annual prison report.
The 59-page report, released on 27 March, found that no progress was made concerning the implementation of a regulation that would allow certain inmates to serve their sentences outside prisons. In addition, the adoption of measures that could allow a suspect or defendant to be detained in other locations besides prisons remained stalled.
In late 2024, two United Nations (UN) bodies, the Committee Against Torture and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, cited Thailand’s prison overcrowding among the key issues of concern pertinent to their respective mandates.
“Thai authorities are aware of the severe overcrowding that plagues the prison system but they have dragged their feet over the adoption of effective solutions. Tougher drug policies recently enacted may result in even more people being incarcerated. The Thai government must implement without delay alternative measures to incarceration in line with international standards and ensure its drug policies prioritize rehabilitation over punishment,” said FIDH Vice-President Fatia Maulidiyanti.
Thailand’s total prison population increased for the second consecutive year and the overall number of prisoners exceeded the official maximum capacity by 12%, with 102 (or 71%) of the 143 correctional facilities operating above their intended capacity. In addition, the number of prisoners under death sentence (364) increased for a second consecutive year and was the highest since 2020.
Despite a decline in the number of prisoners convicted for drug-related offenses for the third consecutive year, the number of inmates incarcerated for drug-related offenses continued to account for the vast majority (73%) of the total prison population. The Thai government’s move in June 2024 to lower the limits on possession of methamphetamines and amphetamines for personal use may reverse the decline in the number of convictions of drug-related offenses.
Meanwhile, according to testimonies by inmates and former inmates, prison conditions remained poor, with reported challenges and human rights violations that included: overcrowded cells; forms of punishment and disciplinary sanctions that could amount to ill treatment and torture; differential treatment of inmates based on their socio-economic status; the lack of protection for transgender women; restrictions on the supply of water and insufficient provision of basic hygiene products; meals of poor quality and not sufficiently nutritious; the lack of quality physical and mental healthcare services; inadequate response to medical emergencies; unfair labor practices; strictly controlled access to news and external information; limited opportunities to engage in recreational and rehabilitative activities; and ineffective complaint mechanisms amid inmates’ fear of retaliation.
The consequences of the inadequate response to medical emergencies in prisons was illustrated by the death of detained woman human rights defender, Netiporn Sanesangkhom (aka Bung), on 14 May 2024.
Among the few positive developments in 2024 was the availability for female inmates of bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, even if the frequency and quantity of the supply of sanitary pads varied greatly depending on the prison.
Now in its fourth edition, FIDH-UCL’s annual prison report is the only independent and comprehensive assessment of prison conditions in Thailand. The report makes numerous practical recommendations for the improvement of prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners in accordance with relevant international standards.
11 April 11 202511379 at http://prachataienglish.com - American academic facing royal defamation charge granted provisional bailAmerican academic facing royal defamation charge granted provisional baileng editor 3
American academic Dr Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University’s Faculty of Social Sciences who was charged with royal defamation, has been granted provisional bail, with 600,000 baht as security. He was required to wear an electronic monitoring device.
According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, 58-year-old US academic Dr Paul Chambers has also had his visa revoked. It was reported that the police requested a search warrant and searched Chambers’ office at Naresuan University. Chamber’s laptop was confiscated. The police report said it would take around five days to check before returning it to the Faculty.
Chambers was initially granted bail on Wednesday (9 April) with 300,000 baht as security after his lawyer appealed the Phitsanulok Provincial Court’s decision to deny him bail. He was released on the condition that he wear an electronic monitoring device and not travel abroad unless allowed by the court. He also had his passport confiscated.
However, as his visa had been revoked, he remained in detention at the immigration office while his lawyers appealed the visa revocation. His lawyer filed a bail request with the Immigration Bureau so that he could stay in Thailand.
The Immigration Bureau on Thursday (10 April) granted him a provisional bail with another 300,000 baht as security. Chambers is required to report to officials every 30 days.
Chambers reported to the police at Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station Tuesday (8 April) after learning last week that the 3rdArmy Area was pressing charges against him for royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act and that an arrest warrant was issued for him on 31 March.
It was previously reported that Chambers was being charged with importing into a computer system information that affects national security under Section 14(3) the Computer Crimes Act. However, the police instead formally charged him with importing into a computer system forged or false data that is likely to cause damage to a third party or the public under Section 14(1) of the Computer Crimes Act.
A TLHR lawyer said a military officer filed charges against Chambers on behalf of the 3rd Army Area over a blurb on the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s website, which Chambers said he did not write or publish because he is not an admin for the site.
An American political scientist, Chambers’ research focuses on civil-military relations in Southeast Asia, particularly the role and influence of the military in Thailand. He has also written on the relationship between the military and the monarchy. He now serves as a lecturer at the Center of ASEAN Community Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University. His notable works include “Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand” and “Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia”.
The US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce issued a statement on Wednesday (9 April) regarding the arrest of Chambers. The Department stated that it was “alarmed” by the arrest and detention.
"We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and to ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression. As a treaty ally of Thailand, we will closely monitor this issue and advocate for the fair treatment of Paul Chambers," said the statement.
10 April 10 202511378 at http://prachataienglish.com - Parliament debates measures to address US reciprocal tariffParliament debates measures to address US reciprocal tariffeng editor 3
The Thai parliament has held an urgent debate to explore solutions for mitigating the impact of the US reciprocal tariff. Meanwhile, the government has unveiled its five key measures in response to the tariff.
Parliament on Wednesday (9 April) held an urgent debate regarding the 36% US reciprocal tariff on Thailand to find solutions and measures to address the problem. MPs from both the government coalition and opposition actively engaged in the discussion for several hours.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn established a task force to deal with the issue and assigned the Thai delegation, led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, to engage in discussions with the US regarding mitigation.
The government proposed five measures to mitigate the impact of the US reciprocal tariff:
1.) to increase imports of agricultural products, namely corn animal feed
2.) to reduce tariffs on certain US-imported products
3.) to ease non-tariff barriers
4.) to ensure export products have verifiable Thai origin
5.) to encourage investment in the US, especially in natural gas.
US tariff is making waves in Thailand
MP Sirikanya Tansakun of the People’s Party revealed that these five measures will not be impressive enough for the US President. On top of that, Thailand is gradually turning the US into its adversary by returning the 40 Uyghurs to China and using the royal defamation law against an American lecturer Paul Chambers.
Other countries, such as South Korea, Singapore, and Japan, are taking action in order to protect affected industries in their countries. Sirikanya reiterated that the Thai government should also take urgent action, particularly to safeguard Thailand’s automotive industry.
The industry has been affected since the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on vehicles on 3 April. However, there are still no response measures from the government.
The Thai private sector is like a fish out of water, as many rely heavily on the US market. The MP suggested that the government and the Board of Investment find support and reassure them, adding that if a proper solution is not achieved, it could lead to mass layoffs leaving thousands of Thai workers jobless.
Meanwhile, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn for the Klatham Party said the government should prioritise the agricultural sector and minimize risks to Thai farmers. Importing certain agricultural products could cause domestic prices to fall. In some cases, such imports may also conflict with existing Thai regulations. He also added that the policy in response to the US tariff should not affect other potential trade partners.
Influx of foreign goods is a major concern
MP Sithiphol Viboonthanakul of the People’s Party suggested that one of the urgent actions the government should take immediately is to protect domestic businesses from an influx of foreign goods. Following the US reciprocal tariff, global producers are trying to find alternative markets for their products, and Thailand is likely to be one of the targets.
Thailand has recently grappled with low-priced products, particularly those from China, due to the first wave of the US-China trade war. At this time, Thai SMEs will have to face an even more challenging situation. Sectors such as plastics, rubber, and furniture are expected to be hit hard.
The MP suggested the government launch three key measures to protect the Thai enterprises.
- Compulsory registration of foreign e-commerce operators: foreign e-commerce businesses must register as legal entities in the country, allowing the government to regulate these businesses effectively and to ensure product quality.
- Countermeasures: the government should leverage countermeasures such as anti-dumping tariffs to prevent substandard products with a lower price from being dumped in the country.
- Prevention of product mislabelling: Thailand needs to ensure that exported products are not from foreign countries and intentionally mislabelled as “made in Thailand”, as seen in Vietnam.
Government’s response
Deputy Commerce Minister Julapun Amornwiwat admitted that the US formula of calculating the reciprocal tariff is what no one ever expected. However, he said this reflected several points. The US is focusing on reducing trade deficits. To address this, the Thai government could increase imports from the US and reduce exports.
After careful consideration, the government realised that reducing exports is not a viable option, as it has always been an important driver of the Thai economy. Therefore, increasing imports of certain products from the US is the strategy the government is considering.
He added that the government takes all proposals into account, such as preventing product mislabelling or reducing non-tariff barriers. There are also issues that have been discussed before but remain unaddressed, such as diversifying exports to other countries around the world. However, this largely depends on financial resources.
The government set aside 5,000 billion baht through the Export-Import Bank of Thailand to support Thai businesses whose main market is the US by helping them access low-interest loans as an initial measure. Further measures for the agricultural sector will follow.
The Deputy Minister said GDP grew by 3% earlier this year, but the recent US reciprocal tariff is expected to have an impact on economic growth, and it is unclear if the original growth target can remain unchanged. The negotiations with the US will play a key role in shaping the country’s GDP.
10 April 10 202511377 at http://prachataienglish.com - US State Department 'alarmed' by Paul Chambers' arrestUS State Department 'alarmed' by Paul Chambers' arresteng editor 1
The US Department of State is "alarmed" by the Thai authorities' arrest of US academic Dr Paul Chambers, said department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement issued today (9 April), and is closely monitoring the situation.
"The U.S. Department of State takes its responsibility to assist U.S. citizens abroad seriously, and we are in communication with Thai authorities regarding this case," said Bruce, noting that the US Embassy is providing consular assistance to Chambers and have requested access to him to ensure his well-being and to provide any necessary support.
The statement also said that Chambers' arrest "reinforces our longstanding concerns" about the use of the royal defamation law.
"We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and to ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression. As a treaty ally of Thailand, we will closely monitor this issue and advocate for the fair treatment of Paul Chambers," said the statement.
Chambers was denied bail yesterday (8 April) after he reported to the police in Phitsanulok to hear charges of royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act. He is now detained at the Phitsanulok Central Prison while his lawyers plan to appeal the Phitsanulok Provincial Court's decision to reject his bail request.
The 3rd Army Area filed a complaint against Chambers over a blurb on the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s website announcing a webinar which took place in October 2024 and introducing the participants, including Chambers who gave a lecture on the Thai military. Chambers said that he did not write or publish the blurb because he is not an admin for the site.
An American political scientist, Chambers’ research focuses on civil-military relations in Southeast Asia, particularly the role and influence of the military in Thailand. He has also written on the relationship between the military and the monarchy. He now serves as a lecturer at the Center of ASEAN Community Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University. His notable works include “Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand” and “Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia”.
9 April 09 202511376 at http://prachataienglish.com - Naresuan U. lecturer charged with royal defamation, denied bailNaresuan U. lecturer charged with royal defamation, denied baileng editor 1
The Phitsanulok Provincial Court today (8 April) denied bail for Dr Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, who was charged with royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act. He will be detained while his lawyers appeal the Court’s decision.
Dr Paul Chambers arriving at Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station this morning.
Chambers reported to the police at Muang Phitsanulok Police Station today (8 April) after learning last week that the 3rd Army Area is pressing charges against him for royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act and that an arrest warrant was issued for him on 31 March.
It was previously reported that Chambers was being charged with importing into a computer system information that affects national security under Section 14(3) the Computer Crimes Act. However, the police instead formally charged him with importing into a computer system forged or false data that is likely to cause damage to a third party or the public under Section 14(1) of the Computer Crimes Act.
After he was formally charged, Chambers was taken to the Phitsanulok Provincial Court and subsequently denied bail. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said that the Court denied him bail on the grounds that the charges carry a severe penalty, and because he is a foreigner and is a flight risk. The inquiry officer also objected to granting him bail.
Chambers’ lawyers filed another bail request and increased his security from 150,000 baht to 300,000 baht. They also declared to the Court that Chambers has a medical condition and is willing to accept conditions the Court may set, including having a supervisor appointed for him and being required to report to the Court.
The Phitsanulok Provincial Court denied the second bail request on the grounds that there is no reason to change its existing order.
Yaowalak Anuphan
Yaowalak Anuphan, head of TLHR, said that the Court refused to grant bail for Chambers although an Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences was named as a guarantor and he is a full-time lecturer with a full-time residence. She noted that he is not a flight risk because he himself reported to the police after learning that there is an arrest warrant out for him.
Yaowalak said that a military officer filed charges against Chambers on behalf of the 3rd Army Area over a blurb on the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s website, which Chambers said that he did not write or publish because he is not an admin for the site.
Chambers never received a police summons before an arrest warrant was issued for him. According to Yaowalak, the police claimed that they requested an arrest warrant because the charges carry a prison sentence of more than 5 years. However, she said that, since 2020, it is rare for the police to request an arrest warrant in cases involving political expression. Most of the time, a summons would be issued first.
Yaowalak said that she is concerned that the Court is having Chambers detained since doing so would affect academic freedom since Chambers is an academic and the text in question appears on the website of an academic institution based in Singapore. The police should have checked with the institution, she said, noting that Chambers did not make the post himself or post on his personal social media account.
An American political scientist, Chambers’ research focuses on civil-military relations in Southeast Asia, particularly the role and influence of the military in Thailand. He has also written on the relationship between the military and the monarchy. He now serves as a lecturer at the Center of ASEAN Community Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University. His notable works include “Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand” and “Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia”.
8 April 08 202511375 at http://prachataienglish.com - Thai university student released after protesting Min Aung Hlaing at BIMSTEC summitThai university student released after protesting Min Aung Hlaing at BIMSTEC summiteng editor 3
A Thammasat University student was detained but later released after staging a solo protest against the attendance of Myanmar junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hliang at the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok. No charges were filed against him.
On Friday (5 April), Pom (pseudonym), a first-year university student, staged a lone protest at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok's Bang Rak district, where the BIMSTEC summit was taking place.
As security guards escorted him out of the hotel, he exclaimed:
"Thailand does not welcome the murderous dictator Min Aung Hlaing. This summit is stained with the blood of over 6,000 innocent people. How did PM Paetongtarn feel about shaking his bloodstained hands? All of you attending this summit should feel ashamed; you claim to be democratic but dine and celebrate with a military dictator who kills innocent people. Thailand should stand with the Myanmar people. Thai people do not accept this murderous dictator.”
The university student was apprehended by police and taken to the Yannawa Police Station. He was released later the same day and not subjected to any charges.
According to a lawyer from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Pom was taken to the police station for questioning, as he reportedly needed permission to be in the area where he staged the protest and had not obtained it.
The lawyer added that although no charges were filed today, legal action would probably follow, as the police were gathered evidence and their report could be used to pressure and deter him from engaging in similar activities in the future.
5 April 05 202511374 at http://prachataienglish.com - Myanmar worker attacked by royalists during anti-junta protestMyanmar worker attacked by royalists during anti-junta protesteng editor 1
A leader of the Myanmar migrant worker network Bright Future was attacked by members of an ultra-royalist group this morning (5 April) while arriving at a protest against Myanmar’s junta leader in front of the UN headquarters in Bangkok.
Songchai Niamhom, leader of an ultra-royalist group, trying to grab Weera Sangthong (black shirt), a leader of the Myanmar migrant worker network Bright Future before other ultra-royalist protesters attacked Weera. (Photo by Ginger Cat)
Bright Future previously called a protest this morning (5 April) against Senior General Min Aung Hliang, leader of Myanmar’s junta, who attended the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok on 3 – 4 April.
However, a number of ultra-royalist groups, such as the People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy and the King Protection Group, were waiting in front of the UN headquarters ahead of the scheduled time of the protest. At around 10.45, Bright Future leader Weera Sangthong arrived at the scene. Ultra-royalist activist Songchai Niamhom approached Weera and tried to grab him, but Weera pushed his hand away. Songchai and other ultra-royalist protesters then ran after Weera and attacked him.
Police officers then intervened and took Weera away. It is unclear where he has been taken or if he is being detained or charged.
Songchai Niamhom (Photo by Ginger Cat)
At around 11.45, Songchai went to the Nangloeng Police Station to file a complaint against Weera, accusing him of being part of an unlawful secret organization and inciting unrest. He claimed that the Thai Constitution does not allow foreign nationals to stage protests on Thai soil and that doing so is seditious and interfering with Thailand’s internal affairs because protesters were calling on the UN to pressure the Thai government into following their demands. He also claimed that Weera previously joined a campaign for the repeal of the royal defamation law, sedition law, and anti-strike law, or Sections 112, 116, and 117 of the Thai Criminal Code.
Songchai said that he and other members of his group are not against legal migrants, but they are fighting illegal migrants who stage protests and cause unrest or who are involved in money laundering.
Songchai is a leader of the ultra-royalist King Protection Group and known as a serial royal defamation complainant. He once claimed while testifying as a prosecution witness in a royal defamation trial that he has filed complaints against at least 30 people. He tends to file complaints at locations in the south of Thailand. As some of the defendants do not live where the complaints have been filed, they have to travel long distances for police appointments and court hearings.
5 April 05 202511373 at http://prachataienglish.com - Civil society condemns Thai government for Min Aung Hlaing’s invitation to BIMSTECCivil society condemns Thai government for Min Aung Hlaing’s invitation to BIMSTECeng editor 3
The Thai government has come under criticism for inviting a globally denounced war criminal, Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, to attend the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok.
On Thursday (3 April), Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Thailand invited the leaders of all seven BIMSTEC member states to attend, received confirmation that Min would participate.
Nikorndej explained that Thailand was simply fulfilling a responsibility as summit host, adding that the aim of the organisation was to enhance regional cooperation and the absence of any one member would preclude the possibility of any joint agreement.
Civil groups and NGOs condemn the move
After Min arrived in Thailand on Thursday evening, civil groups and NGOs including the Milk Tea Alliance Thailand, Spirit in Education Movement (SEM), and ETO Watch Coalition, released a statement condemning the government’s decision.
According to Wichai Chantavaro from SEM, some 319 civil groups in Thailand and Myanmar called on the Thai government to exclude Min from the summit on 1 April. He expressed disappointment that the government ignored the request.
Theerachai Sarncharoenkitthavorn from the ETO Watch Coalition asked that Thailand not discuss any further investment and trade deals with Min, and accused the government of indirectly supported the Myanmar military through natural gas purchases. According to Theerachai, this amounted to encouraging the Myanmar military to kill the country’s people as 70-80% of the money they received was reportedly spent on weapons and military operations against civilians.
Theerachai noted that since the earthquake on 28 March, the Myanmar military has conducted over 30 airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of 50 people.
“Those of us in civil society, therefore, condemned the Thai government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and her Cabinet, as well as the governments of the BIMSTEC member states for meeting with Min. We urge them to promote legitimate state practices, rule of law, international law, human rights, and most importantly humanitarian principles.”
The statement demanded that member state governments refrain from entering into negotiations or agreements with the Myanmar military.
The activist group Milk Tea Alliance Thailand has asked people to wear black in protest until Min Aung Hliang leave the country. Other activist groups are also organising a protest at 18.30 this evening (4 April) in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
4 April 04 202511372 at http://prachataienglish.com