Urgent Action: Defamation charges used to silence dissent

Police charged prominent activists Parit Penguin Chiwarak, Sirawit ‘Ja New’ Seritiwat, and Phayaw Akkahad with defamation

Police have charged prominent activists Parit ‘Penguin’ Chiwarak, Sirawit ‘Ja New’ Seritiwat, and Phayaw Akkahad with defamation by publication under Article 328 of the Thai Criminal Code which carries a maximum sentence of two years in jail. The Election Commission accused the three of making defamatory speeches during a public campaign to impeach the commissioners in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. Summoned to Phayathai Police Station on 30 April, they have denied all charges. The case appears to be politically motivated and is part of the crackdown on individuals who criticise the constitutionally independent body.

Take action.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 5 JULY 2019

Please write urgently in your own words or using the template letter included in English or Thai to:

Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda

Royal Thai Police

Rama I Road, Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330 

Thailand 

Fax: +66 2251 4739

Tel: +66 2205 2724 

Email: [email protected] 

Salutation: Dear Chairman

And copies to: 

Prof Khemchai Chutiwongse 

Office of the Attorney-General 

51 Ratchadaphisek Road, Chatuchak 

Bangkok 10900 

Thailand 

Tel: +66 2515 4000 

E-mail: [email protected] 

Call: Do not issue a prosecution order on this case 

Chairman of the Election Commission  

Ittiporn Boonprakong 

Election Commission of Thailand 

Government Building Complex 

Chaengwattana, Laksi 

Bangkok 10210 

Thailand 

Tel +66 2141 8888

Call: Drop the criminal complaint against these activists 

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.

His Excellency MR PISANU SUVANAJATA, Royal Thai Embassy, 29-30 Queen’s Gate SW7 5JB, tel 020 7225 5500 or 020 789 2944, Fax 020 7823 9695, email [email protected] www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk, Salutation: Your Excellency

Please check with your section before sending appeals after the above date.