Thailand authorities should drop charges against seven environmental defenders involved in a peaceful protest in Loei Province, Fortify Rights said today. The Loei Provincial Court will issue a decision on the case tomorrow, April 19.
Seven women —Pornthip Hongchai, 47, Viron Rujichaiyavat, 47, Ranong Kongsaen, 56, Mon Khunna, 40, Suphat Khunna, 47, Boonraeng Srithong, 52, and Lumplearn Ruengrith, 57— face criminal charges and more than five years in prison for their involvement in a sit-in protest outside the administrative council offices in Loei Province in November 2016.
“This case violates the right to peaceful assembly in Thailand and undermines the government’s stated commitments,” said Amy Smith, Executive Director of Fortify Rights. “The court has an opportunity to uphold fundamental rights protected in both Thai and international law. The charges against these seven women should be dismissed.”
On November 16, 2016, more than 200 residents from Na Nong Bong village gathered at the Khao Laung Sub-District Administrative Council Office in Loei Province to oppose a request by Tungkum Limited gold-mining company to use land in the area for mining operations. The protesters also called for the council to involve them in the decision-making process.
On July 25, 2017, the Loei Provincial Prosecutor charged the seven women, who are all members of Khon Rak Ban Kerd Group (KRBKG)—a community-based environmental rights group—with allegedly violating Section 309 of the Thai Criminal Code and Article 8 of the 2015 Public Assembly Act.
Section 309 prohibits “compelling another person to do or not do any act by putting them in fear of injury to life, body, liberty, reputation or property…” and carries a sentence of up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 100,000 Thai Baht (US$2,850). Article 8 of the 2015 Public Assembly Act prohibits holding a public gathering that obstructs gateways or services of the offices of government agencies and carries a sentence of up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 10,000 Thai Baht (US$285).
The authorities also charged Pornthip Hongchai for allegedly violating Article 10 of the 2015 Public Assembly Act for failing to notify the authorities of the gathering at least 24 hours before its commencement. Pornthip faces an additional 10,000 Thai Baht (US$285) fine for allegedly failing to notify the authorities.
“I have no fear of the lawsuit,” said Boonraeng Srithong, one of the women charged and a member of KRBKG. “I am not afraid of the trial or jail. The main reason we continue the fight is because we want our children to have a home.”
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