Probe into murder of protest leader 'progressing well'
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Police investigation into the murder last month of Nakhon Si Thammarat-based anti-mine protest leader Pitan Thongpanang is progressing well, while local activists who have been living in fear since Pitan was shot dead have been placed under protection, Na
Niran made the comment at a meeting with Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Pheerasak Hinmuangkao, without elaborating.
The Army’s 41st Circle chief, local police and Nakhon Si Thammarat-based Internal Security Operations Command officers were also at the meeting, where locals presented the police complaint Pitan had filed over a threat made to his and his father’s life.
Pheerasak and Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Pol Maj-General Kiettipong Khaosam-ang said they would further look into details of the death-threat claim.
Pokpong Lawansiri from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Pitan’s murder was another gross human rights violation, adding that forced disappearances still occurred in the Kingdom despite OHCHR monitoring and publicising the issue since 2004.
Pitan was shot dead on November 30 while visiting villagers to seek financial support for the ongoing legal battle with a mining company in tambon Krung Ching. The court issued a temporary injunction ordering the mining company to halt its operations.
The OHCHR issued a statement on Tuesday calling for the government to investigate the forced disappearances and murders of human-rights defenders such as Pitan.
