Activists staged a protest in front of the US Consulate in Chiang Mai on Saturday (4 May) to demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, student organisations issued a statement in solidarity with US students protesting against the war in Gaza.

Protesters in front of the US Consulate in Chiang Mai. (Photo by Jarawee Paisantara)

The activist groups Chiang Mai for Palestine and Thai Socialist Workers, along with other Chiang Mai residents gathered in front of the US Consulate in Chiang Mai city on Saturday morning (4 May). They condemned the Israeli government for committing genocide and violating Palestinians’ fundamental rights and freedom, as well as the US government for supporting Israel’s war crimes.

“It has been 11 months since Israel began committing a genocide of Palestinians. Israel’s cruelty … should be condemned, but the United States is instead supporting it with money and military power through its diplomatic and foreign affairs policy. What good can international organisations like the UN Security Council do if they cannot hold those responsible for war crimes accountable for their actions,” said Punyanut Maharaksit, a representation of Chiang Mai for Palestine.

“We want to thank everyone who joined this protest for having more conscience and courage for their own action than the US.  We will not stop until this genocide ends and freedom returns to the Palestinians…If we ignore this, it means that we are ignoring humanity and humankind.”

Punyanut said that she wants Thai people to pay attention to what is happening in Gaza and to see it as an issue for everyone, not just for Muslims. 

The activists demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Israeli invasion of Palestine both in Gaza and the West Bank. They also called for the Israeli government to be held accountable for crimes against humanity, as well as the US and UK governments for their involvement in the war in Gaza. 

The activists expressed support for Palestinians’ right to self-determination, to oppose Israeli rule, and to establish a democratic state that does not discriminate based on race or religion.

Protesters marching to the Consulate. (Photo by Jarawee Paisantara)

Meanwhile, 48 student and humanitarian organisations, along with over 500 individuals, co-signed a statement in solidarity with university students in the US who are demanding their institutions divest from companies with ties to Israel and calling for a ceasefire. 

The statement notes that students participating in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University were arrested and that three students from Barnard College were suspended and banned from campus. It condemns the arrest as unjust and a violation of freedom of expression. 

“We, Thai university student and humanitarian organisations, stand in solidarity with the students of Columbia University,” says the statement. It calls on universities to end their “sponsorship of war” and “indirect support” of genocide and oppression both in Palestine and elsewhere. They must also ensure the safety and freedom of expression for their students.