In Chiang Mai, slain activist not forgotten
The 60th day since ethnic Lahu activist Chaiyapoom “Billy” Pasae was gunned down at a northern military checkpoint was observed in Chiang Mai on Wednesday, with questions about his death still unresolved.
Three organisations – the Everyone is Billy Fund, This Area is So Good Club and Rak Lahu Group – are hosting events from May 10-17 to remind people about what the young activist sought to accomplish and to press for justice over his controversial killing.
Wednesday’s opening event took place in Chaiyapoom’s hometown, Ban Kongpakping in Chiang Dao district, and shared online via Facebook Live video.
People were invited to share their own views athttps://www.facebook.com/events/201511000358830.
The Everyone is Billy Fund is accepting donations via Krungthai Bank account 091-0-28585-3 (Ratchadapisek Huai Khwang branch) to provide homes and education for Lahu children in need, which was Chaiyapoom’s chief goal.
Chaiyapoom and a friend were stopped at the military checkpoint at Ban Rin Luang in Chiang Dao on March 17 and searched for illegal drugs. The military subsequently claimed that Chaiyapoom put up a struggle and presented a serious threat, forcing troops to shoot him. Witnesses have insisted, however, that the soldiers beat up Chaiyapoom and killed him arbitrarily.