violence


Southeast Asia  / Thailand
The Bangkok disappearance of Thanong Po-Arn, three decades on
Posted On June 24, 2021
June 19 marked the 30th anniversary of the disappearance of Thanong Po-Arn, a prominent critic of the 1991 military coup that was led by General Suchinda Kraprayoon. Thanong was head of the Labour Congress of Thailand, the largest labour organisation in the country, as well as deputy chairman of the International Council of Free Trade Unions. Prior to his disappearance, he received anonymous death threats, telling his family: “If for three days I don’t contact you, that means I have been arrested; if it’s more than seven days, that means I have already died.
Continue Reading
No Comment


Southeast Asia  / Thailand
In Thailand, May is the month for coups, crackdowns, and villains
May 21, 2021

Historically, May is a turbulent month for Thailand. It’s the season for coups and crackdowns, usually headed by the military. May 1992 and May 2014 are extraordinary periods in contemporary Thai history – one far more insidious than the other. Chronologically speaking, 1992 was a chaotic year. It would see two major elections, several prime ministers and governments, mass protests and public demonstrations on the streets of Bangkok.


Southeast Asia  / Thailand
Time for a moratorium on non-lethal weapons in the hands of Thai police
December 2, 2020

At a demonstration near Thailand’s Parliament on November 17, the Royal Thai Police escalated defensive measures against pro-reform protesters, employing water cannons and throwing canisters of tear gas in an effort to push back the crowd. According to Erawan Medical Centre, as many as 55 people were injured, mainly from those who inhaled teargas, and five people who were shot. While some of the injuries stemmed from a confrontation between pro-democracy protesters and yellow-clad royalists, police were seen carrying semi-automatic weapons loaded with what appeared to be rubber bullets.


Southeast Asia  / Thailand
Protesters must not resort to violence no matter the provocation
November 18, 2020

Yesterday’s clashes near Thailand’s Parliament marked a turning point for the youth-led, pro-democracy movement. More than 50 people were taken to hospital for wounds suffered during the outbreaks of violence, some with gunshot wounds. The Royal Thai Police escalated tensions early, by repeatedly firing water laced with chemicals from cannons at protesters. Members of Parliament could be seen leaving the scene early by boat.