LOS ANGELES, CA (June 29, 2015) -- Members of ENGAGE (Educational Network for Global and Grassroots Exchange) held a demonstration outside of the Los Angeles Thai Consulate today to protest the military coup and the Thai government’s crackdown on political speech. The protesters responded to the imprisonment of allies in the Neo-Democracy Movement, a national coalition of Thais fighting for the right to organize and speak openly about government repression.
They delivered a list of demands calling for the Consul General, Jesda Kataventin, to denounce the controversial Article 44 of the Thai Constitution, which establishes such restrictions on political speech, as well as the release of their Thai student friends from prison.
They then held a protest incorporating various songs, chants and visual representations demonstrating the groups demands. Members of ENGAGE remained at the consulate for two hours despite police involvement.
"We have gathered to recognize the bravery and heroism of the Thai student movement putting their bodies and lives on the line to show the world the illegitimacy of the current military coup as they face seven years in prison for gathering in a public space, defying dictatorial laws," said Michael Aguilar, a member of ENGAGE. "Today we demonstrate in front of the Royal Thai Consulate to say what our friends cannot, no coup and yes to community self-determination. Long live the fight for freedom."
As a result of Article 44, Thai civilians cannot assemble in groups larger than five individuals to discuss politics, can be detained for seven days without charges or bail, and are tried in military court, as opposed to civil court with no possibility for appeals. Additionally, Article 44 grants absolute authority to a single entity, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
"Everyone, regardless of where they are born, should be allowed basic human rights and freedom to organize," said Jude Peckinpaugh, a member of ENGAGE who recently returned from Thailand. "This action is to show that we stand in support of their recent non-violent civil disobedience and demand that they are released from prison."
These demands were vocalized when protestors were heard chanting, "Just say no to Prayuth's lies, defend students rights to organize".
The demonstrator's list of demands delivered to the Consul General are as follows:
1) Rescind your support for Article 44
2) Demand civil, not military, trials for all civilians
3) Demand the reduction of military harassment on community and student groups
4) Submit a request for the release of the following 14 students from the Neo-Democracy Movement from prison and for the charges against them to be dropped:
1. Rangsiman Rome
2. Chonticha Chaeng-rew
3. Ratthapol Surasopon
4. Songtham Kaewpanpruek
5. Pornchai Yuanyee
6. Pakron Arrekul
7. Abhisit Sapnaphana
8. Jaturapak Boonpatararaksa
9. Apiwat Suntararak
10. Payu Bunsophon
11. Panupong Srithananuwat
12. Suwitcha Thipangkorn
13. Supachai Pukrongply
14. Wasan Sethsitthi
5) Demand investigation of the May 15, 2014 attack on Na Nong Bong community, and any consequential prosecution of the perpetrators
6) Demand suspension of the TKL gold mine activities until the environmental, social, and health consequences of the mine on Na Nong Bong community have been investigated and properly resolved
They delivered a list of demands calling for the Consul General, Jesda Kataventin, to denounce the controversial Article 44 of the Thai Constitution, which establishes such restrictions on political speech, as well as the release of their Thai student friends from prison.
They then held a protest incorporating various songs, chants and visual representations demonstrating the groups demands. Members of ENGAGE remained at the consulate for two hours despite police involvement.
"We have gathered to recognize the bravery and heroism of the Thai student movement putting their bodies and lives on the line to show the world the illegitimacy of the current military coup as they face seven years in prison for gathering in a public space, defying dictatorial laws," said Michael Aguilar, a member of ENGAGE. "Today we demonstrate in front of the Royal Thai Consulate to say what our friends cannot, no coup and yes to community self-determination. Long live the fight for freedom."
As a result of Article 44, Thai civilians cannot assemble in groups larger than five individuals to discuss politics, can be detained for seven days without charges or bail, and are tried in military court, as opposed to civil court with no possibility for appeals. Additionally, Article 44 grants absolute authority to a single entity, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
"Everyone, regardless of where they are born, should be allowed basic human rights and freedom to organize," said Jude Peckinpaugh, a member of ENGAGE who recently returned from Thailand. "This action is to show that we stand in support of their recent non-violent civil disobedience and demand that they are released from prison."
These demands were vocalized when protestors were heard chanting, "Just say no to Prayuth's lies, defend students rights to organize".
The demonstrator's list of demands delivered to the Consul General are as follows:
1) Rescind your support for Article 44
2) Demand civil, not military, trials for all civilians
3) Demand the reduction of military harassment on community and student groups
4) Submit a request for the release of the following 14 students from the Neo-Democracy Movement from prison and for the charges against them to be dropped:
1. Rangsiman Rome
2. Chonticha Chaeng-rew
3. Ratthapol Surasopon
4. Songtham Kaewpanpruek
5. Pornchai Yuanyee
6. Pakron Arrekul
7. Abhisit Sapnaphana
8. Jaturapak Boonpatararaksa
9. Apiwat Suntararak
10. Payu Bunsophon
11. Panupong Srithananuwat
12. Suwitcha Thipangkorn
13. Supachai Pukrongply
14. Wasan Sethsitthi
5) Demand investigation of the May 15, 2014 attack on Na Nong Bong community, and any consequential prosecution of the perpetrators
6) Demand suspension of the TKL gold mine activities until the environmental, social, and health consequences of the mine on Na Nong Bong community have been investigated and properly resolved
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