On 21 January 2011 at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, representatives of all parties involved in the criminal proceedings in the case of the 12 March 2004 forcible disappearance of human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit gathered expecting to hear the verdict of the Appeal Court concerning the conviction of one out of the five accused. One Thai and one international observer from the Asian Human Rights Commission joined other observers from Thai nongovernmental organizations, international nongovernmental organizations, and several embassies who monitored the hearing.

Government Rhetoric and Pledges Not Matched by Actions in 2010

(New York, January 25, 2011) – The government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of Thailand failed to fulfill its pledges to hold human rights abusers accountable in 2010, a turbulent year for the country, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2011. At least 90 people died and 2,000 were injured in street battles in Bangkok between March and May.

Seven years past, yet no progress made, public left at their own devices,  culprits are at large

On December 22, 2010, the spokesperson of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) announced the decision to determine the alleged offences against Pol.Gen. Bhanupong Singhara Na Ayuthaya and other 18 officials, regarding the abuse of power and violation of the rights of alleged offenders in the gun robbery taking place at the Fourth Development Military Battalion, the Krom Luang Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Military Camp on January 4, 2004, the incidence of which has led to the onslaught of violence and conflicts in Thailand’s Deep South causing widespread damage and loss of lives among government officials and innocent people. Until now, the death toll has climbed over 4,000.

The Asian Human Rights Commission has obtained information that immigration authorities have taken into custody at least 85 persons from Pakistan who are seeking asylum. The group includes babies, small children, pregnant women, and the sick and elderly. The persons have registered with the United Nations for asylum and so far 17 have reportedly been officially recognized as refugees.