Bangkok: Senators Angkana and Sunai submitted a request to the National Police Chief for police safety protection after receiving death threats. They insisted on continuing to criticize and protect rights, emphasizing that the government should educate the public for the benefit of the international arena.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator and former National Human Rights Commissioner Angkana Neelapaijit, along with senior researcher Sunai Phasuk of Human Rights Watch, filed a petition with National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, seeking legal protection for human rights defenders and their families following severe online attacks and harassment.
Senator Angkana stated that she submitted a letter to the National Police Chief today, requesting an investigation into the online threats against her, her family, and Mr. Sunai, which have been made since her appearance on several popular TV shows. Following this, fans of “Gun Jom Phalang” have attacked her, leaving her feeling unsafe. She doesn’t understand how her expressing her opinions, questioning the government’s decision to allow private individuals to enter martial law zones, could lead to harassment, accusations of unpatriotic behavior, and verbal threats. She insists that she loves her country just as much as anyone else and believes freedom of expression is now beyond freedom of expression. Therefore, she must stand up and defend herself.
Furthermore, following the news, the National Police Chief dispatched uniformed and plainclothes patrol officers to provide 24-hour security at his residence, beginning October 16th. He confirmed that despite being threatened for his ideas, he will continue to carry on his duties as a human rights activist. However, he personally acknowledged that state power has failed to protect human rights activists. Therefore, Thai authorities should educate the public on human rights, as the issue is sensitive.
He emphasized that filing a complaint with the National Police Chief today does not require filing a report at a local police station, as this is within the police’s jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators. This is because the incident is a criminal offense and the police are required to handle the matter themselves under the law.
“We must distinguish between myself and Mr. Sunai. I affirm that I am Thai and love my country no less than anyone else. In expressing my personal patriotism, I strive to ensure Thailand can stand proudly on the international stage and act in accordance with the various charters recognized around the world,” said Senator Angkana.
Mr. Sunai stated that although there are currently no police officers available to protect him like Senator Angkana, he has been threatened with death on social media. He emphasized that he acted out of goodwill for the country and did not want Thailand to lose ground on the world stage, as evidenced by his past actions, including the use of ghost sounds and F-16 sounds.
As for being accused of rambling, when human rights activists criticize something, they do so because they have already gathered empirical evidence, not based on emotion. Therefore, to accuse someone of rambling is a serious distortion. Those who make accusations must examine themselves to determine what facts they are making.
Mr. Sunai added that his well-wishes for the nation have turned him into a platform for attacks and hatred, with a celebrity reportedly vowing to run over Senator Angkana with a Kubota truck and spill her guts. He therefore wanted to ask the relevant agencies what they were doing, why they were so quiet.
As for whether she needs to improve her stance in criticizing the country’s situation, Senator Angkana replied that it’s not her responsibility, but the government’s responsibility to raise public awareness. Ultimately, whether it’s Kan, Jom Phalang, the Prime Minister, or the National Police Chief, if their rights are violated, she and Mr. Sunai are ready to speak out and defend their rights, demanding justice and an end to these violations.