Mounting contention between the current Democrat-party-led government of PM Abhibisit Vejjajiva and the red-shirted members of the United Democratic Front Against Dictatorship (UDD) became violent in April and May 2010. In addition to the violence in the streets, the Emergency Decree was put in place across Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, as well as other provinces throughout northern and northeastern Thailand with a significant UDD presence. The events left at least 91 dead, over 2000 injured, and hundreds arrested for alleged violations of the Emergency Decree or terrorism. Five months after the end of the violence in the streets, the Bangkok metropolitan area and many additional provinces remain under Emergency Rule. The precise roles of state and other actors during the violence remains unclear. Dissent and speech remain curtailed, with continuing arrests of journalists and web activists. Within this context, human rights are both in crisis and a potential source of redress.

Join us for two panel discussions on the past and present of human rights in Thailand.

Friday, 22 October 2010
8.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Australian National University
Hedley Bull Lecture Theatre 2

Panelists:

  • Dr Coeli Barry, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindthorn Anthropology Center
  • Nicholas Farrelly, ANU
  • Dr Craig Reynolds, ANU
  • Dr David Streckfuss, Council on International Education Exchange-Khon Kaen
  • Dr Thanet Aphornsuvan, Thammasat University
  • Dr Andrew Walker, ANU

Moderator:

  • Dr Tyrell Haberkorn, ANU

This event is part of a College of Asia and the Pacific New Directions in Research workshop. It is also being co-sponsored by the National Thai Studies Center; the School of International, Political, and Strategic Studies; and the Department of Political and Social Change.

For more information, please contact [email protected]