[RE: UA-112-2005: THAILAND: Murder of Thai monk following an environmental and land dispute with local influential business figures]
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) earlier informed you that Phra Supoj Suwajano, a monk who had been working to protect increasingly scarce forest in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, was stabbed to death on 17 June 2005 (UA-112-2005). He was the latest among a growing number of environmentalists and human rights defenders who have been killed in Thailand in recent years, while many more have been subject to attacks and serious threats: see for instance the recent grenade attack on the car of another activist in the north: UA-143-2005.
Since the time of the killing, which those close to Phra Supoj believe was engineered by influential persons with business and political links, there has been no apparent progress in the investigation. Although the Department of Special Investigation has taken on the case, little has been reported of its activities. Meanwhile, the local police have reportedly persisted in investigations to conclude that the killing was the result of a petty dispute with local villagers.
To commemorate the life of Phra Supoj and keep attention on his case, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand has organized an event marking 100 days since his death. An unofficial version of the details for this event is below. The AHRC urges all interested persons who are available to please join this important gathering. Please note that the programme will be conducted in Thai.
VENUE
National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, 422 Phya Thai Rd., Pathum wan District, Bangkok
DATE
Sunday, September 25, 2005
SCHEDULE
Morning
10:30 – 11:30: Religious ceremony
Afternoon
1 – 1:30pm: Speeches:
– “Preventing threats to human rights defenders”, Sunee Chaiyarose, Commissioner, NHRC
– “100 days of the Phra Supoj case: A costly lesson for human rights activists”, Phra Kittisak Kittisophon, Chair, Saekeeyadhamma Group
– Statement from the Thai Working group on Human Rights Defenders; Maetha Maskhao
1:30-4:30 pm: Panel discussion:
“Addressing the problem of influential persons in risky areas and prevention of threats to human rights defenders”
Speakers will include Senator Dr Niran Pitakwatchara; Mr Charnchao Chiyanukit, Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection; Mr Wiwat Thamee, Coordinator of the Ethnic and Indigenous People’s Network of Thailand; and, Mr Boontan Tan from Amnesty International
FOR FURTHER DETAILS
Please contact the NHRC on (66)-2-2219-2980.
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
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