This is an open Letter to United Nations and International Community by Thai Civil Society on the escalation of politically motivated violence and tension in Bangkok. The original letter has been edited for grammar and spelling before it was published here.
Is Thailand degenerating into a civil war?
Dear Sir and Madam,
Since the launch of the Operation “Take-back of Protest Venues”, there have been at least 50 dead and 300 wounded, accounting figures from the Rajadamnern incident that took place on 10 April 2010 to the latest development in the Rajaprasong area on 15 May 2010.
The operation was initiated by the Thai government under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Clearly, the Thai government has failed to comply with international procedures on how to disperse the protesters. The Thai government has not only abused its power through the army, but also it has never bear the responsibility of its actions.
The Thai government has systematically, violently, and inhumanely suppressed the protesters by rendering communications in the protesting areas ineffective. These have led to an intensification of violence on the situation in Bangkok. Therefore, as representatives from the student union movement, the labour movement and the people sector, we would like to ask for help from the United Nations (UN).
Our requests are as follow:
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We would like to ask the UN to pressure Thai government to cease its hostility and violence toward the protesters, and denounce the usage of heavy weaponry against unarmed protesters. The actions of the Thai government had led to high number of both casualties and injuries of children, under-aged persons, women, disaster relief personnel, local and international media correspondents.
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We would like to ask the UN to pressure the Thai government to bear responsibility for violently suppressing the Red Shirt protesters. The government’s actions have undoubtedly violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as other covenants which was ratified by Thai government. The Thai government must immediately call parliament dissolution, and hold a general election as soon as possible.
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Due to the lack of independent and impartial judgement of Human Rights organizations in Thailand, we urge the UN to closely observe the Special Subcommittee appointed by National Human Rights Committee for investigation on the military crackdown on the 10th April 2010.
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Considering that Thailand is a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the UN should pressure the Thai government to fulfil its international obligation to the UN human rights mechanism. In case of an appeal, the Thai government must allow the Special Commissioner from United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) to investigate Human Rights violation by both governmental and non-governmental actors.
Signed by:
Student Federation of Thailand, Student Federation of Northeast Thailand, ISKRA Group (Prakaifire),Try Arm Group, Thai Youth Democracy Organization (Seri Panyachon), Students for Peace Group, Son Right Student Group.
