Thailand letter – Urgent Observation Request: Protection of WHRDs and Children at P-Move Peaceful Assembly

Dear Excellency,

I hope this email finds you well.

On October 14th, 2024, Protection International and P-Move organized a seminar at the P-Move protest site titled “From Global Forums to the Hearts of the Poor: Thailand’s Role in Human Rights and Justice,” following Thailand’s recent election to the UN Human Rights Council. The seminar aimed to highlight Thailand’s human rights obligations, with a special focus on the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs), especially women HRDs (WHRDs).

Angkhana Neelapaijit, a prominent WHRD and Chair of the Senate Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Liberties, and Consumer Protection, was a key speaker. Four WHRDs and the Chairperson of P-Move also shared insights on stage. Unfortunately, during the event, the police blocked access to the site, preventing the Human Rights Defenders’ food truck from entering. This action violates Article 21 of the Peaceful Assembly Act, which requires authorities to notify organizers in writing of any restrictive measures, as mandated by the Public Assembly Act of 2015.

This failure to follow proper legal procedures also contradicts Thailand’s obligations under the ICCPR and UN guidelines that support peaceful assembly and the facilitation of HRDs and the media. It is particularly concerning in light of Thailand’s recent election to the UN Human Rights Council, just five days prior.

Most of P-Move’s members are women, many with young children—the youngest being just four months old. With the support of the UNOHCHR, the situation improved around 10 p.m. However, P-Move members are still forced to carry essential supplies such as cooking equipment, childcare necessities, and electric fans over a considerable distance.

We kindly request your close monitoring of the P-Move situation, as tensions are expected to escalate with the protest continuing until their demands are addressed. To date, no government representatives have responded to their requests.

Attached is an official letter from the Chair of P-Move, requesting your observation of today’s peaceful assembly.

For context, P-Move (The People’s Movement for a Just Society) is a grassroots coalition in Thailand advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, with a focus on land rights, housing, welfare, and environmental justice. P-Move plays a crucial role in organizing peaceful assemblies and campaigns to raise awareness and demand action on these critical issues.

Thank you for your attention and continued support.

Best regards,

 P-Move