A network of human rights organisations has issued a joint statement in defence of Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former human rights commissioner, following a wave of severe online and televised criticism against her.
The online attacks came after Angkhana made comments regarding the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, which many interpreted as her taking Cambodia’s side.
In their statement, issued yesterday, the groups denounce the threats, hate speech and ad hominem attacks directed at Angkhana and her family, calling them a serious violation of human dignity and democratic principles.
The statement was released in response to criticism of her and fellow activist Sunai Phasuk. Both were accused of being unpatriotic and siding with Cambodia, after they had criticised the use of loudspeaker trucks that blasted helicopter, fighter jet and ghostly sounds late into the night in Sa Kaeo province, in an effort to get Cambodian settlers to vacate what is claimed to be Thai territory.
The network expressed concern that certain media outlets and public figures had used nationalist rhetoric and hate speech to attack Angkhana, while ignoring the actions of influencers, the military and government agencies that could escalate border tensions.
“Such behaviour is neither constructive nor ethical and it threatens the space for democracy,” the statement said.
The groups called on the public, media and authorities to end all forms of harassment and hate speech against Angkhana and other human rights defenders, to respect freedom of expression and to protect Angkhana’s right to perform her duties without intimidation.
