17 March 2023 marks the 6th year anniversary of the death of Chaiyaphum Pasae, a young Lahu rights defender, who was shot dead by soldiers who accused him of smuggling drugs in the north of Thailand.

Last year, the court dismissed a legal case for compensation brought by family and friends against the Thai military. However, the Supreme Court later took on the case and a ruling is expected in the next six months. Chaiyaphum’s family has been demanding that the military reveals the CCTV footage of the incident and provide compensation. They also see it as a step to eliminate society’s bias against ethnic minorities in the country.

“When Chaiyaphum was gone, I had to quit school to take care of my parents. I travelled away from home to work. I’m willing to take up this responsibility but what I want to see the most is that justice is finally brought to my brother,” said Chanon Pasae, a younger brother of Chaiyaphum. 

Read more about Chaiyaphum and his family https://hardstories.org/stories/minority-rights/a-tale-of-two-mothers