Dear Friends

Women land and human rights defenders in Ban Sapwai community, Chaiyaphum province of northeastern Thailand are facing criminal charges and disproportionate fine for defending their land and livelihood. Recently, they were found guilty by Chaiyaphum province Appeals Court of land encroachment and unsanctioned clearing of national park land. The court’s decision upholds the provisions of a discriminatory forest reclamation policy, and disregards Thailand’s obligation to protect peoples’ access to land and to protect women human rights defenders (WHRDs).

The recent crackdown on farming communities  dwelling in forest area has been aggravated due to the Junta’s ‘forest reclamation’ policies. While the policies intend to combat climate change, instead of going after big investors and corporations that cause large scale environmental degradation, they are working to displace farming  communities.  

In this regard, we request your support for Thai women human rights defenders and urge the Government of Thailand to fulfil their its human rights obligations by doing the following.