A group of pro-democracy activists have demanded that the Election Commission (EC) certify the results of the 14 May general election by 20 June and dismiss the complaint against Move Forward Party leader and prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat over iTV shares because it is no longer a media provider.
A group of pro-democracy activists have demanded that the Election Commission (EC) certify the results of the 14 May general election by 20 June and dismiss the complaint against Move Forward Party leader and prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat over iTV shares because it is no longer a media...
The electricity company Gulf Energy Development has filed a defamation lawsuit against two members of the Thai Sang Thai party over a press conference about rising electricity costs.
The electricity company Gulf Energy Development has filed a defamation lawsuit against two members of the Thai Sang Thai party over a press conference about rising electricity costs. Treerat Sirichantaropas (left) and Ronnakad Chinsamran (right) during the October 2022 press conference. (Photo...
A group of organizations claiming to protect the monarchy has filed a complaint against Pita Limjaroenrat under the royal defamation law and the Computer-Related Crime Act, alleging that his interview with BBC has affected the country’s highest institution.
Cover photo: from King Protection Group FB page A group of organizations claiming to protect the monarchy has filed a complaint against Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader and PM candidate of the Move Forward Party (MFP), under the royal defamation law and the Computer-Related Crime Act, alleging that...
The Criminal Court has postponed the witness examination hearings in the royal defamation trial of activist and MP designate Chonticha Jangrew, claiming that it has just discovered her lawyer’s schedule in its own case information system.
The Criminal Court has postponed the witness examination hearings in the royal defamation trial of activist and MP designate Chonticha Jangrew, claiming that it has just discovered her lawyer’s schedule in its own case information system. Chonticha Jangrew at a protest at Thammasat University in...
The Election Commission (EC) has passed a resolution to recount the party-list votes in 31 polling stations and the constituency votes in 16, due to discrepancies between the results and the number of ballots and eligible voters, Thai PBS reports. There were 95,000 polling stations in all.
The Election Commission (EC) has passed a resolution to recount the party-list votes in 31 polling stations and the constituency votes in 16, due to discrepancies between the results and the number of ballots and eligible voters, Thai PBS reports. There were 95,000 polling stations in all.   The...
3 years after activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit went missing while living in exile in Cambodia, no progress has been made into the investigation of his disappearance, while activists in Cambodia and Thailand held public gatherings on Sunday (4 June), the anniversary of his disappearance.
3 years after activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit went missing while living in exile in Cambodia, no progress has been made into the investigation of his disappearance, while activists in Cambodia and Thailand held public gatherings on Sunday (4 June), the anniversary of his disappearance. A...
Pinnapa Pruksapan, widow of murdered indigenous rights activist Porlajee Rakchongcharoen, has requested that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) continue to protect her and her family, after the DSI said that they are not important witnesses in Porlajee’s murder trial and will no longer keep them under its protection.
Pinnapa Pruksapan, widow of murdered indigenous rights activist Porlajee Rakchongcharoen, has requested that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) continue to protect her and her family, after the DSI said that they are not important witnesses in Porlajee’s murder trial and will no longer...
The Constitutional Court has ruled that an Emergency Decree postponing implementation of several sections in the new Prevention of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act is not in line with the Constitution, declaring it invalid. This means that the act goes into effect in its entirety.
The Constitutional Court has ruled that an Emergency Decree postponing implementation of several sections in the new Prevention of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act is not in line with the Constitution, declaring it invalid. This means that the act goes into effect in its entirety. Amnesty...
The trial of four Kaeng Krachan National Park officials charged with the murder of indigenous rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen began on Monday (24 April), 9 years after he went missing. His family say their lives have been turned upside down by his disappearance.
The trial of four Kaeng Krachan National Park officials charged with the murder of indigenous rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen began on Monday (24 April), 9 years after he went missing. His family say their lives have been turned upside down by his disappearance. Porochi ...
As four park officials charged with pre-meditated murder for their alleged involvement in the abduction and death of indigenous right activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen go on trial, civil society organizations have demanded that they be suspended to make sure the judicial process cannot be tampered with.
As four park officials charged with pre-meditated murder for their alleged involvement in the abduction and death of indigenous right activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen go on trial, civil society organizations have demanded that they be suspended to make sure the judicial process cannot be...
A series of photographs and essay by Real Frame photographer Yostorn Triyos explores life in communities on the banks of the Salween River after the Covid-19 pandemic and the February 2021 Myanmar coup, such as Sop Moei and Mae Sam Laep where people continues to live in uncertainty amidst the war. Meanwhile, the Thai and Myanmar government's project to build 6 dams across the Salween River has been put on hold due to the pandemic and the war.
Rewinding to 2005, there were attempts by the Thai and Myanmar governments to build 6 dams across the Salween River. One of these is the Hatgyi Dam, in which the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is interested in co-investment, located 47 km from Sop Moei village. However, the dam...
Following the February 2021 coup in Myanmar and subsequent violence against protesters, a large number of people from Myanmar came to Thailand seeking safety and are now living as refugees in urban areas. Some came with valid visas, while some are undocumented, but all are unrecognised as refugees and unprotected under Thai law.
The use of violence by the Myanmar government after the 2021 coup in suppressing the people has resulted in a great number of Burmese people running for their lives to Thailand. Some came in legally with valid visas, some are undocumented. Although this group of people do not have a clear status as...
During the pandemic, Thai musicians and workers in the music industry faced unemployment as bars and entertainment venues were ordered to close. Many had to sell their instruments to keep themselves afloat, or make a living doing whatever else they could, while some left the industry altogether.In "Unplugged: Music in Crisis," Thai musicians talk about their lives during and after the pandemic, and the future of creative economy in Thailand.
When Covid-19 hits, they were the first to be out of a job, and when the lockdown ended, they were the last to get back to work. During the pandemic, Thai musicians and workers in the music industry faced unemployment as bars and entertainment venues were ordered to close. Many had to sell their...
The "Forest Reclamation Policy,” led to regulations to stop encroachment on forest resources in 2014. Enforcement resulted in more than 46,000 villagers around the country being arrested and sued.  Most were villagers who lived on, or had land plots that overlapped with, forest preserve areas in various ways.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) announcement No.64/2557, better known as the "Forest Reclamation Policy,” led to regulations to stop encroachment on forest resources. Enforcement resulted in more than 46,000 villagers around the country being arrested and sued.  Most were villagers...
A series of previously unpublished photographs of the 6 October 1976 Thammasat University massacre taken by Thai photographers working for newspapers at the time of the massacre is now on display in a new exhibition at the Kinjai Contemporary gallery.
A series of previously unpublished photographs of the 6 October 1976 Thammasat University massacre taken by Thai photographers working for newspapers at the time of the massacre is now on display in a new exhibition at the Kinjai Contemporary gallery. The entrance to Kinjai Contemporary gallery...
A student group at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Law has decided to cancel a board game night, during which they planned to play the card game “Patani Colonial Territory,” due to concerns caused by a visit from an officer of unknown affiliation.
A student group at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Law has decided to cancel a board game night, during which they planned to play the card game “Patani Colonial Territory,” due to concerns caused by a visit from an officer of unknown affiliation. Patani Colonial Territory, a card game about...
The student who designed “Patani Colonial Territory,” a card game based on the history of colonization in the Deep South, is reported to have been summoned by the police, after the game was confiscated from a café in Yala by police and security officers. (Left) the "Patani Colonial Territory" card...
Security officers raided a cafe in the Deep South of Thailand, seizing “Patani Colonial Territory”, a board game using a set of cards about the history of the colonisation of Patani by Siam. The authorities claimed the content ‘may be illegal’.
Security officers raided a cafe in the Deep South of Thailand, seizing “Patani Colonial Territory”, a board game using a set of cards about the history of the colonisation of Patani by Siam. The authorities claimed the content ‘may be illegal’. Security officers stand guard at Life Coffe Slow Bar...
Two representatives of Buddhists in the Deep South group have gone to Malaysia to meet leading figures in the insurgency. The conversation hints at positive signs toward greater public participation in the peace process.
Two representatives of Buddhists in the Deep South group have gone to Malaysia to meet leading figures in the insurgency. The conversation hints at positive signs toward greater public participation in the peace process. From left to right: Phongsak Phromsing, Thida Wannalak. Phongsak Phromsing,...
At least 10 activists in Pattani are reported to have been visited by police and military officers ahead of King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida’s visit to the province to attend the annual Quran recitation competition at the Pattani Central Mosque on Sunday (9 October). 
At least 10 activists in Pattani are reported to have been visited by police and military officers ahead of King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida’s visit to the province to attend the annual Quran recitation competition at the Pattani Central Mosque on Sunday (9 October). Police officers visited...

News

Jun 9, 2023
A group of pro-democracy activists have demanded that the Election Commission (EC) certify the results of the 14 May general election by 20 June and dismiss the complaint against Move Forward Party leader and prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat over iTV shares because it is no longer a media provider.
Jun 8, 2023
The electricity company Gulf Energy Development has filed a defamation lawsuit against two members of the Thai Sang Thai party over a press conference about rising electricity costs.
Jun 8, 2023
A group of organizations claiming to protect the monarchy has filed a complaint against Pita Limjaroenrat under the royal defamation law and the Computer-Related Crime Act, alleging that his interview with BBC has affected the country’s highest institution.

Highlight

12 Apr 2023
A series of photographs and essay by Real Frame photographer Yostorn Triyos explores life in communities on the banks of the Salween River after the Covid-19 pandemic and the February 2021 Myanmar coup, such as Sop Moei and Mae Sam Laep where people continues to live in uncertainty amidst the war. Meanwhile, the Thai and Myanmar government's project to build 6 dams across the Salween River has been put on hold due to the pandemic and the war.
11 Mar 2023

Following the February 2021 coup in Myanmar and subsequent violence against protesters, a large number of people from Myanmar came to Thailand seeking safety and are now living as refugees in urban areas. Some came with valid visas, while some are undocumented, but all are unrecognised as refugees and unprotected under Thai law.

11 Mar 2023

During the pandemic, Thai musicians and workers in the music industry faced unemployment as bars and entertainment venues were ordered to close. Many had to sell their instruments to keep themselves afloat, or make a living doing whatever else they could, while some left the industry altogether.

In "Unplugged: Music in Crisis," Thai musicians talk about their lives during and after the pandemic, and the future of creative economy in Thailand.

Feature

Jun 7, 2023
While women have long been considered “ornamental,” with the media and the public mainly focusing on their looks or how they dress and act, LGBTQ representation is nearly non-existent. They are subject to the same fate and even worse. A watershed moment for the community came in the last election when 3 self-identified LGBTQ people won MP seats.
May 11, 2023
As the 2023 general election approaches, activists and members of civil society hope for policies that will ensure LGBTQ rights and gender equality for Thailand.
May 2, 2023
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when performance and entertainment venues closed, Thailand's musicians faced unemployment and lack of income. Many were forced to sell their beloved instruments or resort to finding other jobs to make ends meet, while missing out on assistance from the government for being informal workers. Meanwhile, the pandemic brought to the surface issues faced by workers in the Thai music industry, from precarious employment and unfair working conditions to lack of support for the creative economy.

Round Up

Dec 17, 2022
A monarchy supporter with a large online following was arrested on Saturday, hours after he claimed to have raised nearly 700,000 baht to cover the cost of what he described as a ritual to extend the life of King Vajiralongkorn’s eldest child.
Nov 17, 2022
Thailand is currently hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, taking place between 14 – 19 November at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), with the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on 18-19 November. Meanwhile, activist groups and civil society organizations are planning series of protests over the week against what they see as an attempt by the government to boost its legitimacy and greenwash the country’s major polluters.
Oct 15, 2022
A week has passed since the Northeastern massacre that left 37 dead. In the wake of the heartbreaking carnage, authorities and the media have begun to reflect on past errors and look for a way forward.

Interview

Nov 24, 2022
On the same day various leaders from Asia-Pacific nations mingled at a shiny convention center in Bangkok, photographer Chalinee Thirasupa was among a huddle of journalists taking photos of a phalanx of riot police close to Democracy Monument. A glass bottle was suddenly hurled toward her face.
Nov 16, 2022
The Thai office of Amnesty International over the past few months has increasingly turned to tackle more domestic human rights issues. An interview with the Country Director reveals that this decision has had a great impact, even threatening the organization’s existence, and including death threats against Amnesty personnel.
Nov 9, 2022
Two representatives of Buddhists in the Deep South group have gone to Malaysia to meet leading figures in the insurgency. The conversation hints at positive signs toward greater public participation in the peace process.

Opinion

May 9, 2023
In convening the DRAPAC23 Assembly, EngageMedia envisions a space for changemakers to build and strengthen knowledge, collaborations, and momentum to advance the digital rights movement after over two years of virtual convenings and limited networking opportunities. In this blog post, EngageMedia Executive Director Phet Sayo invites old and new allies in the digital rights space to join in the collaborative sense-making process and reflect on the lessons and challenges ahead in navigating the digital rights landscape.
Apr 13, 2023
With the arrival of the Songkhran holiday comes concerns over road accident and traffic safety. However, Hugo Volkaert writes, the holidays are not why the yearly number of road accidents and casualties in Thailand are among the highest in the world. Design flaws in the road network is part of the problem.
Jan 20, 2023
A recent letter from the Royal Thai Police to the Ministry of Justice indicates that the police now want to delay implementation of the newly-touted points system for improving driver behaviour. 

Pick to Post

May 29, 2023
Following the murder of Lao activist-in-exile Bounsuan Kitiyano, whose body was found with three gunshot wounds in the forest in Si Mueang Mai district, Ubon Ratchathani, 10 human rights organizations call on the Thai government to independently investigate the murder and ensure effective remedy to the victim’s family and loved ones.
May 25, 2023
Thai authorities should immediately and impartially investigate the killing of an exiled Lao political activist, Bounsuan Kitiyano, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday (24 May).
May 16, 2023
Following the general election on Sunday (14 May), ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) welcomes the result of the election and calls for the Thai authorities to protect and uphold the will of the people in government formation, condemning any subversion of election result or blocking the formation of a new government by the winning parties "an unconscionable betrayal."