Dear all,

A year ago, when Samak Sunthornwet's program was removed/ censored because of his bad mouth about Prem, there was absolutely no criticism or protest from the rights or media reform groups. As much as I despise Samak, I think such a silence was a big mistake. The silence suggested that these rights and media reform groups might be nothing more than tools of partisan politics. Their noble causes might be fake; their people might be hypocrites.

Do you want such a conclusion? If you don't, please -- I beg -- do it right this time.

I believe that all of us have heard the famous saying among the civil rights people that they will fight to protect the rights of their opponents no matter how strong they disagree with them. I also believe that many of you know the fact that the lawyers who defend the KKK (Klu Klux Klan) are mostly from the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU), even though the ACLU is one of the main targets of the KKK. There are not many lawyers who are willing to represent the KKK. Then ACLU believes in the rights of anybody to have lawyers and fair trial, including the KKK.  ACLU is a highly honored organisation by all sides, thanks to their strong principle and courage.

Don't you think Thailand also needs this kind of people and organisation, instead of the too partisan and short-sighted ones?

The demonstration that ended up in clash and violence a few days ago may have their hidden political agenda (so had the PAD last year).  Their spontaneous reactions to the police pressure may not be nice, neat, correct, or perfect according to our elitist taste and experience for a demonstration. But their rights to protest should be protected, at least on equal term that the PAD enjoyed last year. The unnecessary measures by the police and military should be protested. The elevation of Prem to a higher citizen than other citizens is simply unacceptable and should be commented.  

If the rights groups do nothing this time in protection of equal political rights to all, it will confirm that the rights groups and activists in Thailand are mere hypocrites and political tools. They do not stand on their principled and noble cause. That would be the demise of the movement for rights and freedom in Thailand. Why so?

Because a private citizen cannot be sure any more if the next time he/she protests something, he/she would be protected or not. He/she has to choose the correct side that the human rights activists also take.

There would be a huge cost if you do not act properly.

Regards (sadly),

Thongchai Winichakul