The panel of the house is questioning Isoc about the prosecution of 9 young people.

On January 18, 2024, Chaturon Chaisang, a member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and head of the House committee studying peace promotion in Southern Thailand, stated that legal actions against activists engaged in peaceful activities are detrimental to efforts to achieve peace in the South and could hinder the process, potentially inciting unrest or violence.

The committee of the chamber studying the promotion of peace in the South expressed concern over the decision of the Internal Security Command (Isok) of Region 4 to initiate criminal proceedings against nine young activists who participated in a peaceful event last year.

The head of the special panel, Chaturon Chaisang, stated that legal actions against activists engaged in peaceful activities do not contribute to efforts to achieve peace in the South and may hinder the process, potentially inciting unrest or violence.

Mr. Chaturon, a member of the ruling Pheu Thai party, stated that protecting freedom of speech and creating a space for the exchange of opinions is more favorable and should be encouraged.

Important Points:

• Legal actions against activists may hinder efforts to achieve peace in the South.
• Activists are facing accusations of provocation and involvement in a criminal organization.
• Laws should not be used to suppress voices and stifle freedom of speech.

The veteran politician said this after receiving a petition from one of the activists present at the Civil Society for Peace (CAP) meeting on Vasukri Beach in the Sai Buri district of Pattani province on May 4, 2022, who is now facing charges of incitement and participation in a criminal organization.

Activists claim that they became the target of legal actions for wearing traditional Malay attire, but the commander of the Fourth Army Region, Lieutenant General Santi Sakuntanak, rejected this claim.

According to law enforcement, those who received a summons to court were involved in activities aimed at promoting separatism and displayed symbols of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) separatist movement.

Mr. Chaturon said that the committee will review the case and provide recommendations to the House of Representatives.

Deputy of the Fair Party, Kannavi Suébsang, raised this issue on Wednesday during a session of the House and urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to ensure that laws are not used to suppress voices.

Mr. Cannavi said that several human rights defenders and humanitarian workers are facing charges, and such treatment was a slap in the face for the Chamber.

On Wednesday, the Deputy Speaker of the Padipata Santipada wore traditional Malaysian attire at the House meeting.