🚨 24 March: International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

#SaveWanchalerm 🙏 It has been four years since the disappearance of Wanchalerm ‘Tar’ Satsaksit; the people have a right to know the truth!

In light of the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, we want to remember the case of Wanchalerm "Tar" Satsaksit, a Thai pro-democracy activist, who disappeared 5 years ago in Phnom Penh, Cambodia during the Thai military coup era. His disappearance, and the lack of Thai and Cambodian State transparency surrounding the handling of the case, are examples of how State violence and negligence directly perpetuate human rights violations. His loved ones have yet to receive answers or justice.

The International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims exists for people across the globe to pay their respects and raise awareness for victims such as Wanchalerm. Continuing to talk about the victims and telling their stories is important in order to keep their memories alive, as part of continuing to demand justice. 

When the NCPO regime led by General Prayut Chan Ocha took over Thailand in 2014, Wanchalerm went into exile in Cambodia. On the 4th June, 2020, Wanchalerm was brutally abducted in Cambodia while he was on the phone with his sister, who heard the incident happen while on the line. The last words she heard from her brother were "I can't breathe," before the call was disconnected.

Justice delayed is justice denied: 

Wanchalerm's relatives and community deserve to know the truth of what happened to him, including how and why the event happened. Moreover, Wanchalerm’s sister Sitanan Satsaksit has been facing judicial harassment for speaking out about her brother's enforced disappearance at a protest on 5 September, 2021. Even with its 2023 Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, Thailand has still failed to protect its citizens from human rights abuses. 

#WeAreManushyan ♾ Equal Human Beings

We stand with all victims of gross human rights violations, including victims of enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and judicial harassment. We demand that Southeast Asian nations including Thailand facilitate the pursuit of justice for victims such as Wanchalerm, which includes bringing transparency regarding the investigation of his disappearance to his loved ones and to the public.

#Saveวันเฉลิม #SaveWanchalerm #HumanRights #WhatsHappeningInThailand