Defamation cases worry OHCHR on Thailand's human rights protection

The statement was issued following the October 29 decision of the Phuket Provincial Court to proceed with a criminal defamation suit against Surapan Rujichaiwat from Loei province in north-eastern Thailand. The suit has been brought by Tungkum Co Ltd, a mining company. It has also brought a number of other civil and criminal cases against members of the Khon Rak Ban Koed Group (KRBK), including Porntip Hongchai, who is due to appear at the same court on November 3 on criminal defamation charges. 

OHCHR also noted that the criminal defamation cases followed the May 15 incident in which a group of armed men attacked and injured more than 20 villagers, including members of the KRBK, who were blockading the transportation of minerals.

"OHCHR is concerned by the continuation of the lawsuit as it appears that it is being used to silence those who raise legitimate issues publicly and echoes a trend of the use of defamation suits against human rights defenders. OHCHR is aware of at least five other human rights defenders facing criminal defamation cases for raising issues such as trafficking, labour rights and torture," it said in the statement.

It added that the criminalisation of defamation has a chilling effect and can unduly restrict freedom of expression. Human rights defenders need the full protection of the state to carry out their work without fear of criminal prosecution. 

"We urge the Government of Thailand to carefully review such cases and ensure the full compliance with international human rights standards."