"Struggle against mining violations leaves activists exposed", 5 June 2016

…This has been the pattern of “development” in Thailand, as communities face threats, violence and judicial harassment…

In all these cases, human rights defenders demanding justice are being sidelined and silenced…

Thailand has a long way to go to ensure its international obligations are met and human rights defenders are protected.

As a start, Thailand should guarantee access to effective remedies and reparations for individuals and communities whose rights have been violated. The government should ensure that meaningful legal frameworks are available and effectively implemented to facilitate the free, prior and informed consent of local communities with regard to development projects, and it should ensure companies are held accountable for any environmental damage and human rights abuses.