On Thursday, the Civil Court ordered the Royal Thai Police to pay about 300,000 baht in compensation to pro-democracy Ratsadon protesters who were physically injured during the police crackdown in front of parliament on November 17th, 2020.
While the court ruled that the protest was illegal, because the Ratsadon movement had not notified the police in advance, it also ruled that police had used excessive force by resorting to the use of water mixed with chemicals in their water cannons. This mixture caused rashes, itching, skin inflammation and breathing difficulties for some protesters and the court ordered the Royal Thai Police to pay compensation.
Former national human rights commissioner Angkhana Neelapaijit was among the plaintiffs demanding compensation for the protesters.
Angkhana said that the court’s verdict constitutes a sign of progress, as it mentioned the rights and freedoms of the people in accordance with international law, to which Thailand is a signatory.
She said she does not, however, agree with the court’s ruling that the protest was illegal, merely because police were not notified in advance, noting that peaceful demonstration without arms by the people is a basic right, which is to be protected by the state.
Regarding the compensation, Angkhana said that the court only ordered the police to pay compensation for physical harm to those who have evidence of medical treatment, but had omitted to award compensation for psychological harm or injury.
The national police chief was acquitted and, therefore, not required to pay compensation.
The protest, organised by the Ratsadon group, was intended put pressure on parliament to approve seven draft constitutional revision bills.
