Dear Professor Amara Pongsapich

Chairperson 

The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand 

I am writing to you in my personal capacity as a Thai human rights activist to express my deep disgust at the inaction of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand with regard to the ongoing bloodbath in Bangkok. In past years, while the NHRC has been seen as a force no longer relevant in responding to human rights violations, I went against many of my friends who have a correct interpretation of the situation, saying that we can still push and pressure the NHRC to do something about the situation. 

It is really sickening to read your statement in the Bangkok Post today where you say that the NHRC will remain "neutral" amidst the ongoing massacre which so far has claimed the lives of at least 37 persons since May 14 (which includes a woman and a 14-year old boy, and who are all civilians). This is not to mention 21 people killed in the 10 April incident, putting the total deaths in this massacre at 48, the same level as that on 6 October 1976. 

The NHRC's lack of action in condemning the massacre spree has made the NHRC totally irrelevant to Thailand and to human rights protection. This is really sad, as I was once a supporter and defender of the NHRC against friends who heavily criticised it as being irrelevant. 

You must remember that the inaction of the NHRC contributes to the continuous killings of citizens, a violation to the right to life in contravention of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (not to mention that NHRC has said nothing about the arbitrary detention and questioning of hundreds of politicians, student activists and media personnel by the CRES and has taken no action against the closure of at least 12,000 websites, according to Freedom against Censorship Thailand, since Abhisit took office.) 

Lastly, after the massacre and the political turmoil is finished (be that within a month, 3 months, or a year), the NHRC and all commissioners will be judged by the international community for turning your eyes away from this one-sided massacre. 

Sincerely yours, 

-- 

Pokpong Lawansiri

MSc International Public Policy 

School of Public Policy, University College London