A rights group is calling for a gold mining corporation in Loei to drop defamation cases lodged against several parties that include a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

The cases were lodged after she alleged in a news report aired by Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) that the firm’s activities were adversely affecting local communities…

Tungkum has also filed a separate civil defamation suit against six villagers for erecting signs protesting against a controversial mine in their community…

“These cases typify the egregious use of criminal defamation in Thailand to silence critics and human rights defenders,” said Amy Smith, executive director of Southeast Asia-based Fortify Rights…