authoritarianism


Russia  / Thailand
Will Thailand Deport a Group of Dissident Musicians to Russia?
Posted On January 31, 2024
Members of a self-exiled Russian rock band that has openly opposed Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine were recently detained in Thailand and face deportation, but if returned to Russia could face severe consequences. Seven members of Bi-2 were detained by the Thai government after performing in Phuket last week after it was discovered that the group had issues with their work authorizations. The group, originally from Belarus, is one of Russia’s more popular rock groups, but when they refused to perform at a pro-war venue, their concerts were canceled and its members went into self-imposed exile.
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China  / East Asia  / Hong Kong  / United Nations
China set to dodge accountability at its UN human rights review
January 22, 2024

Since 2018, the human rights environment in mainland China and its associated autonomous regions has deteriorated. The evidence is overwhelming. The latest US State Department Report on China’s human rights record recognised ‘genocide and crimes against humanity’ against Muslim Uyghurs as well as members of other religious and ethnic groups in the Xinjiang region.


Myanmar  / Southeast Asia  / Thailand
Protesters and media platforms must evolve to protect political speech in Thailand
March 28, 2022

Narin Kulpongsathron, a 33-year old activist, was recently convicted under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code on March 4 for defacing a portrait of Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn. Otherwise known as lèse majesté, which prohibits the defamation of the Thai royal family, convictions can come with sentences of up to 15 years. His was related to a pro-reform protest in September 2020, on the anniversary of the military coup d’état that overthrew former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. 


Southeast Asia  / Thailand
Abuse in Thai schools requires a long, hard look in the mirror
March 7, 2022

In the Muang Sam Sip District of Ubon Ratchathani, an 11-year old boy was recently the victim of physical harm at the hands of his teacher. In demanding that the child cut his hair, which in the teacher’s estimation violated school policy, the Grade 5 teacher struck the boy with a stick six times along his calves. Reminiscing about the past, the boy’s father said that the worst thing used to happen was that the teacher would cut a small slice of hair from a student and inform them that it had to be cut to the required length. Strikes such as those given to his son, clearly crossed a red line.