Bangkok--4 Nov--OHCHR
The United Nations Human Rights Office forSouth East Asia (OHCHR) is seriously concerned that criminal defamation isbeing used in Thailand as a means to pressure human rights defenders. In
the latest example on 29 October, the Phuket Provincial Court decided toproceed with a criminal defamation suit against Mr. Surapan Rujichaiwatrom Loei province in north-eastern Thailand. The suit has been brought byTungkum Company Limited, a mining company. It has also brought a number ofother civil and criminal cases against members of the Khon Rak Ban KoedGroup (KRBK), including Ms. Porntip Hongchai, who is due to appear at thesame court on 3 November on criminal defamation charges. The criminaldefamation cases followed the 15 May incident in which a group of armed men
attacked and injured more than 20 villagers, including members of the KRBK,who were blockading the transportation of minerals.
OHCHR is concerned by the continuation of the lawsuit as it appears that itis being used to silence those who raise legitimate issues publicly andechoes a trend of the use of defamation suits against human rightsdefenders. OHCHR is aware of at least five other human rights defendersfacing criminal defamation cases for raising issues such as trafficking,labour rights and torture.
The criminalisation of defamation has a chilling effect and can undulyrestrict freedom of expression. Human rights defenders need the fullprotection of the state to carry out their work without fear of criminalprosecution. We urge the Government of Thailand to carefully review suchcases and ensure the full compliance with international human rightsstandards.