A series of investigative reports on the struggle for bail rights featured in Prachatai English were recognised by Amnesty International Thailand during its 14 February 2023 Human Rights Media Awards 2022 ceremony at the Sukosol Hotel.

A group photo of the awardees and event participants.

“The Price of Freedom” series was written by Teeranai Charuvastra, a Prachatai English feature writer. The reports tell the story of activists who were detained and prosecuted for expressing ideas about monarchy reform during recent street protests. In contrast to other alleged offenders, many found it difficult - and costly - to obtain a temporary release in advance of court proceedings.

The reports raised questions about Court rulings affecting the freedom of individuals who had still not been proven guilty of criminal wrong-doing.

Categories for outstanding reports on human rights included awards for print journalism, online features, broadcast features, television news, online video clips, and photographs.  The latter included a “Protect the Protest” category for media content and a “Hope” award for pictures produced by members of the public.

In his opening remarks, Thitirat Thipsamritkul, Chair of the Amnesty Thailand board, compared the media to a candle which illuminates human rights issues, not only enhancing visibility but also promoting understanding and encouraging people to take action. This, he noted, is why it is important to recognise the efforts of media workers who disseminate news promoting and protecting human rights.

He added that the Media for Human Rights Award Ceremony was organised to raise awareness of the media’s leading role in the discussion of human rights issues.  The aim was to show solidarity with the media so that they stand strong in their fight to uphold and promote human rights. He also stated that Amnesty International Thailand has been calling on all sectors to respect the role of media and to ensure they receive protection and are free from intimidation and harassment.

In closing remarks, Piyanut Kotsan, Director of Amnesty International Thailand, also recognised the importance of media workers in promoting public understanding and thanked them for helping to mobilise opinion in support of the struggle to protect human rights.

The award recipients, which were selected by a panel of mass media and human rights experts, are as follows:

Honourable mentions in the category of Online News and Feature Stories including 6 awards;

• “Reclaiming Justice, Warit Somnoi must not Die for Free” from Decode
• “A Long Journey of 1,079 Kilometres to Reclaim Mackerel Chili Paste Dip” from HaRDstories
• “ ‘We Always Have Hope Of Returning Home’, said a Voice from the Moei River. The Undecided Fate of Karen Refugees” from The 101.World
• “Young Yoghurt Milk Sellers at Red Light Cross’, Piteous or Business Channel?” from The Isaander
• “This Is Not the First Time of Enforced Disappearance and Torture, But We Hope That It Will Be the Last Time in the Southern Border” from The Momentum
• “The Price of Freedom” from Prachatai English

Outstanding media in the category of Broadcast News and Feature Stories (Under 20 minutes) including 1 award;

• “28 years, Dong Mafai Mine, Blood and Tear Stains” from one31

Honourable mention in the category of Broadcast News and Feature Stories (Under 20 minutes) including 3 awards;

• “Expanding the Outcomes of the Rohingya Human Trafficking Case from the Case of Pol Maj-General Paween Pongsirin” from PPTV HD 36
• “Reclaiming Justice to Restore the Forest” from Thai PBS
• “Extraordinary Siege and Extrajudicial Killing, Peace Beneath the Faint” from Nation TV

Outstanding media in the category of Television News and Feature Stories (Under 60 minutes) including 1 award;

• “The Yuam River Diversion Project (Not) to End Drought” from Thai PBS

Honourable mention in the category of Television News and Feature Stories (Under 60 minutes) including 2 awards;

• “Waste...Scrap from the Industry” from Thai PBS
• “Melayu Patani” from PPTV HD 36

Outstanding media in the category of Online Video Clip News and Features including 2 awards;

• “Sunset With Benja” from iLaw
• “From Trojan Horse to Pegasus: When the Big Brother is watching you” from The 101.World

Honourable mention in the category of Online Video Clip News and Features including 5 awards;

• “95/1 Abandoned Buildings Community, many lives on the concrete ruins” from The 101.World
• “ ‘Malay Aesthetics’ where Dreams and Beliefs are aligned” from The Momentum
• “Darkened Eyes, Dimmed Life: Talks with Boonsom Pinsuwan, a blind transgender with HIV” from SPECTRUM
• “Demons in Society: October 6th of the Right-Wing Politics and Change” from WAY Magazine
• “ ‘Let us talk to God about our Sins’ Listen to the Voice of LGBTQ Islamists” from The MATTER

Outstanding award on “Protect the Protest” photo contest from media, including 1 award;

• By Matichai Teawna from The 101.World

Honourable mention on “Protect the Protest” photo contest from media, including 4 awards;

• By Chumnanwut Sukumvanit from Thai News Agency
• By Nattapol Lovakij from SPACEBAR
• By Nattaphon Phanphongsanon from SPACEBAR
• By Patipat Janthong from Voice Online

Popular vote on “Protect the Protest” photo contest from media, including 1 award;

• By Nattaphon Phanphongsanon from SPACEBAR

Outstanding award on “Hope” photo contest for general public, including 1 award;

• By Supasan Kannarong

Honorable mention on “Hope” photo contest for general public, including 4 awards;

• By Wihan Kwandee
• By Siripong Patumaukkarin
• By Chanakarn Laosarakham
• By Chattapat Suwanyuha

Popular vote on “Hope” photo contest for general public, including 1 award;

• By Supasan Kannarong