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Stories

30 March 2022
FEATURE

Yuam River communities worry about impacts of a water diversion project in northwestern Thailand

In 2021, a 30-year-old water infrastructure project was revived to address shortages in Central Thailand. Civil society groups and experts are concerned about the social and ecological impacts, as communities stand to lose their ancestral lands and livelihoods.

Environmental Justice, Minority Rights, Natural Resources

by Nanticha Ocharoenchai

7 min read

23 March 2022

Vinai Dithajohn, a visual chronicler of Thailand’s struggle for democracy

Renowned Thai photojournalist Vinai Dithajohn was only 15 when he had to leave school and work as a bus fare collector. He went on to become one of Thailand’s most respected and prolific chroniclers of the political turmoil from the last 20 years.

Rights Suppression

by Teeranai Charuvastra

10 min read

16 March 2022
PHOTOSTORY

Five years after the death of Chaiyaphum Pasae and Abe Sae Mu, the families still wait for justice

Five years ago, Chaiyaphum Pasae, a young Lahu rights defender, and Abe Sae Mu, an ethnic Lisu man, were shot dead by soldiers in northern Thailand. While Abe's family received financial compensation, Chaiyaphum's family continues to seek justice and hold the military accountable.

Minority Rights, Rights Suppression

by Jittrapon Kaicome

5 min read

10 March 2022
FEATURE

Rural communities take action against pollution in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

Rural farming communities take action against the threat of pollution from recycling factories in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.

Environmental Justice

by Ryn Jirenuwat

11 min read

2 March 2022
FEATURE

Armed with smartphones, volunteer poll watchers keep tabs on Thailand’s elections

Over the past few years, the team from We Watch, a passionate and ambitious citizen youth network has mobilised thousands of volunteers to hold the government and candidates accountable by observing and documenting both local and national elections in Thailand.

Empowerment, Rights Suppression

by Nat Sumon

7 min read

22 February 2022
FEATURE

Pushed from national parks, forest-dwellers across Southeast Asia defend land and customs

From Thailand to Indonesia, indigenous people who have lived off the land for generations struggle to preserve their forest homes and customs. But as states create national parks and forcibly evict forest-dwellers, their ties to ancestral land are cut.

Land Rights, Minority Rights

by Samira Hassan

11 min read

11 February 2022
PROFILE

A young woman leads indigenous opposition against coal mining in northern Thailand

Dressed in colourful traditional garb, the village's female elders gather around a young woman as two large cameras begin recording. In a soft but firm voice, Pornchita Fahpratanprai explains why they are standing up against a coal mine threatening their peaceful community in the mountains of northern Thailand.

Minority Rights, Natural Resources

by Nanticha Ocharoenchai

8 min read

27 January 2022
PROFILE

The woman healing the wounds of Thailand’s Deep South conflict

In Thailand’s deep south, torture is devastating communities. But one woman is trying to stop the violence by documenting abuse and offering therapy in its place.

Empowerment, Rights Suppression

by Caleb Quinley

7 min read

14 January 2022
PROFILE

The young law graduate on the frontline against Thailand’s risky mining

Instead of becoming a judge, Juthamat Srihatthapadungkit chose to fight for justice from the ground up. The 26-year-old works side by side with communities to end mining projects approved without public consent and monitor laws and policies related to the country's mineral resources.

Environmental Justice, Natural Resources

by Sulakshana Lamubol

7 min read