(UA-73-2004: THAILAND: Human rights defender faces preliminary decision in libel case on 21 June 2004 and UP-31 2004: THAILAND: Criminal Court decides to let libel suit against Ms Supinya Klangnarong proceed on 29 June 2004; UP-62-2004: THAILAND: Update on libel suit against media-reform activist Ms Supinya)
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission again draws your attention to the case of Ms Supinya Klangnarong and the Thai Post newspaper, which are being sued by the communications giant Shin Corp because of comments made in the public interest in 2003. Shin Corp is the family company of the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Thaksin Shinawatra.
Ms Supinya is now preparing for the criminal defamation case against her, after which she will also have to fight a gigantic and disproportionate civil defamation suit. To do this, she needs money and support. Therefore, she has organised a fund-raising event for this Sunday, March 27. Speakers will include the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Anand Panyarachun, and media rights campaigners. The Prime Minister Mr Thaksin and his wife have also been invited to attend.
We are forwarding the details to you below.
We urge those of you in Thailand who are able to attend this event to please do so. For those not in Thailand, you may like to purchase a ticket and nominate someone to go in your place, or simply make a donation to the bank account as given.
For all background information on the case see: UA-73-2004, UP-31-2004 & UP-62-2004. See also the AHRC’s earlier statement on why criminal defamation in Thailand should be scrapped: AS-32-2004.
Additionally, the Asian Legal Resource Centre, sister organisation of the AHRC, has recently released a number of documents on Ms Supinya’s case. See its written statement to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2005, ‘Criminal defamation and growing restrictions to freedom of expression in Thailand’. See also the section on freedom of expression in its recent report to the UN Human Rights Committee, ‘Institutionalised torture, extrajudicial killings & uneven application of law in Thailand’.
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
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FORWARDED INFORMATION ON FUND-RAISING EVENT FROM MS SUPINYA KLANGNARONG
Dear All,
Greetings from Supinya Klangnarong!
Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR.) Bangkok, Thailand
I am delighted to invite you all for this coming Fund-Raising event “Raising the Spirit of Courage”, Sunday 27th March, 2005, 1-5 pm, Montien Riverside Hotel, Bangkok. [Tickets cost 500 Thai baht.]
I do apologize for those of you for who it is impossible to join this event but please kindly be informed of this movement towards my legal campaign.
Thank you so much, look forward to hearing from you.
Faithfully yours,
Supinya Klangnarong
Secretary-General
Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR)
409 Soi Ratchada 14, Hauy-kwang,
Bangkok 10320 Thailand
Tel&Fax : 66-2-6910437 to 9
www.popmedia.in.th
cpmr@popmedia.in.th
For contributions to fighting-fund: Bangkok Bank savings account, # 055-0-37330-2, Ratchada-Huay
Khwang branch
“Democratisation of communication is essential for a democratic society”
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Raising the spirit of courage: Fund-raising event for Supinya’s legal defences
27 March 2005, 1-5 pm
Grand Ballroom, Montien Riverside Hotel
1.00 – 2.00pm Registration
2.00 – 2.15pm Welcome remarks by Mrs. Rosana Tositrakul, chairwoman of the event
2.15 – 2.30pm Inspirational speech by Mr. Anand Panyarachun, Former Prime Minister
2.30 – 2.45pm Bouquet offering by Ajarn Sulak Siwalak, Mr. Preeda Tiasuwan, Mr. Bibhop Thongchai
2.45 – 4.00pm Tea – Talk
“Idealism for freedom: Communication rights of the era”
By
Professor Dr. Nithi Aiewsiwong, Midnight University
Dr. Nirun Pitakwatchara, Senator
Mr. Kavi Chongkitthaworn, Group Editor, The Nation
Associate Professor Dr. Ubonrat Siriyuwasak, Chairwoman of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR)
Mr. Alan Kennedy, Executive Committee Member, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Mr. Suriyasai Katasila, Secretary-General, Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD)
Moderator: Dr.Jirapon Vittayasakpan, Mass Communication Department, Chiangmai University
4.00 – 5.00pm
Song for spirit of courage, by Su Boon Liang
Live Painting by Tepsiri Suksopa
Poetry by Sangdoew Sattaman
Music by Keetanchalee
*Programme will be conducted in Thai and English*
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Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
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