Chiranuch Premchaiporn (Prachatai)

THAILAND: Media beset by both violence and state of emergency

23 April 2010 Reporters Without Borders Reporters Without Borders is extremely concerned about the impact on press freedom of the political in Thailand and reiterates its appeal to all parties to respect and guarantee the work of the press. “The gravity of this crisis reinforces the need to respect the free flow of news and […]

THAILAND: On the Cases Related to Computer-Related Crime Act

Dear Friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wishes to forward to you the following press release from the Thai Netizen Network (TNN) under Computer-related Crime Act of B.E.2550. For further information, see recent AHRC statements on the raid of independent news outlet Prachatai and arrest of its director (AHRC-STM-051-2009, AHRC-STM-054-2009), on lese-majesty (AHRC-STM-028-2009), and a […]

THAILAND: Man given ten years’ imprisonment for lese-majesty online

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) condemns the latest imprisonment of an Internet user in Thailand for posting online supposedly offensive images to the country’s royal family. We are bringing you details of the case and urge you to protest strongly against this use of draconian laws, old and new, to attempt to […]

THAILAND: Raid on Prachatai–A “right” to complain against police is no right at all if it cannot be heard, investigated and enforced

It was reported on Sunday, March 8 that according to the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the arrested director of the independent news agency Prachatai is entitled to make a complaint if she feels that the police action against her was unjustified. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has already condemned in the strongest […]

THAILAND: AHRC strongly condemns police raid on news outlet

According to an announcement issued today on the website of Prachatai, one of the few independent and outspoken media outlets operating in Thailand,  “On March 6, at 3 pm, seven police officers visited Prachatai office in Bangkok, showing a search warrant and an arrest warrant for Chiranuch Premchaiporn, Prachatai Director. She is charged with the […]

THAILAND: Two websites illegally blocked; twenty nine banned for discussion on monarchy

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information that two websites were illegally blocked and charged under the Computer Crime Act while twenty nine sites face closure under the same legislation for allowing an open-forum discussion talking about the Thai monarchy. CASE DETAILS: According to media and other sources, two websites–Fah Diaw […]

THAILAND: Websites are denounced for allowing forum discussions

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information that two Thai websites (Fah Diew Kan and Prachatai) have been charged under Article 116 (2) of the Criminal Code for publishing discussions of a man’s refusal to stand during the Royal Anthem. This is in violation of the freedom of expression as set down in […]

THAILAND: Petition for lecturer accused of insulting monarchy

(Hong Kong, July 23, 2007) An online petition has been launched in support of a Thai lecturer who has been accused of insulting the monarchy through the questions asked in a university examination paper. Boonsong Chaisinghanon, who teaches philosophy at Silpakorn University, has been asked by its administration to hand copies of his examination papers […]

THAILAND: AHRC welcomes new independent online news page

(Hong Kong, June 6, 2007) The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) on Wednesday welcomed the launch of a new English-language independent online news page from Thailand. The Prachatai online news group launched its English version on May 24 to complement its established Thai-language website. Launching the page, columnist Pitch Pongsawat said that democracy could only […]

UPDATE (Thailand): Important events marking 2nd anniversary of mass killing

[Re: UA-143-2004: THAILAND: At least 84 people killed in Southern Thailand on 26 October 2004; UP-65-2004: THAILAND: A list of the victims of the mass killing in Narathiwat province; Immediate international intervention needed; UP-25-2005: THAILAND: Three generals found responsible for mass killing transferred without penalty; UP-094-2006: THAILAND: Trial opens against 58 accused in Narathiwat protest; […]

UPDATE (Thailand): Websites and radio stations shut down by military junta

THAILAND: Military rule; martial law; threats to human rights defenders; restrictions on freedom of assembly & expression ——————————————————————— Dear friends, The military junta that since September 19 has taken over government in Thailand has shut down at least two critical websites and also numerous local radio stations. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) calls for […]

FORWARDED APPEAL(Burma): Appeal to China to take action on Burma

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is forwarding an appeal that was posted on Thailand news site Prachatai, asking the government of China to use its leverage to bring reconciliation and peace in Burma. If the email bounces back, please check here: http://en.beijing2008.cn/bocog/contactus/. Please use a different subject line so your email does not […]

FORWARDED APPEAL(Burma): Appeal to China to take action on Burma

Dear friends, The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is forwarding an appeal that was posted on Thailand news site Prachatai, asking the government of China to use its leverage to bring reconciliation and peace in Burma. If the email bounces back, please check here: http://en.beijing2008.cn/bocog/contactus/. Please use a different subject line so your email does not […]