12-6-2024 (BANGKOK) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand has submitted an investigative report to the Ministry of Justice, calling on the government to step up efforts in addressing the concerning cases of nine self-exiled Thai political activists who have disappeared in neighboring countries.
On Tuesday, Sayamol Kaiyoorawong, a member of the NHRC, revealed that she had handed over the report detailing the disappearances of the activists, who had sought asylum in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam between 2017 and 2021, to Somboon Muangklam, an adviser to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and the chairman of the committee on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance.
According to Ms. Sayamol, the NHRC investigated complaints concerning nine missing individuals, including Ittipon Sukpaen, Wuthipong Kochathamakun, Surachai Danwattananusorn, Chucheep Chiwasut, Kritsana Thapthai, Siam Theerawut, and Wanchalearm Satsaksit. Tragically, the bodies of two others – Chatcharn Buppawan and Kraidej Luelert – were discovered stuffed in concrete along the Mekong River border with Laos in late 2018.
All of the cases involve individuals who had allegedly violated the Computer Crime Act, Section 112 of the Criminal Code (the lese majeste law), or were perceived as undermining political stability in Thailand.
The NHRC claimed that the government has been negligent in pursuing these cases, with no substantial progress made in prosecuting the perpetrators, raising suspicions that state agencies might have been involved. The commission found that state agencies had failed to cooperate effectively with the governments of neighboring countries to uncover the facts and learn the fate of the remaining seven missing activists.
The report emphasized that state agencies must adhere to legal procedures to establish the reasons behind the disappearances and bring those responsible to justice, if applicable. Additionally, the government must provide compensation to the families of the victims, as stipulated in the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act BE 2565 (2022).
The NHRC also pointed out that the Damages for the Injured Person and Compensation and Expenses for the Accused in Criminal Case Act BE 2544 (2001) lacks specific criteria for the government to provide compensation in cases of enforced disappearance. Furthermore, the commission found no evidence that state agencies have provided any form of compensation to the affected families.
Ms. Sayamol stated that the findings revealed a common thread among the missing activists – they were part of a group that held opinions differing from those of the government.
The NHRC has urged the cabinet to expedite the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for concerted efforts to address these concerning cases of enforced disappearances.
