Amnesty International Thailand submitted 3,008 actions and chanted “#FreeSaiZawThaike” at the Myanmar Embassy to demand the release of “Sai Zaw Thaike”, a photojournalist who has been sentenced to jail simply for reporting on the aftermath of a cyclone in Myanmar.
On 8 April 2026, Amnesty International Thailand held an activity “#FreeSaiZawThaike” under the campaign “Write for Rights” while submitting 3,008 actions as part of the campaign to the Embassy of the Republic of Union of Myanmar in Thailand, demanding that Myanmar’s military release “Sai Zaw Thaike”, a Myanmar photojournalist who has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a military court simply for reporting facts about the situations following a cyclone in Myanmar.
Amnesty International Thailand’s activists and the public gathered peacefully in front of the Myanmar Embassy, wearing white shirts, sarong and longyi with cameras on their shoulders to symbolize the roles of Sai Zaw Thaike as a photojournalist, in solidarity with those whose rights are oppressed for exercising their right to freedom of expression in Myanmar.
The participants conducted symbolic activities under the theme “Capture the Truth is Not a Crime” in front of the Myanmar Embassy. While holding signs, they chanted “Free Sai Zaw Thaike” three times to not only show their demand for his release, but also serve as the reiteration that conveying of truths shall not be criminalized.
During the activity, some participants also toasted Myanmar tea and samosa in front of the Embassy to express solidarity with Sai Zaw Thaike and many other people in Myanmar whose freedoms have been infringed upon. The clinking of teacups became a symbol of unity across borders in the campaign “Write for Rights” and was a testament to the power of ordinary people which still means much for those whose rights have been violated and those who stand up to uphold human rights.
Jinwara Chuaychote, Amnesty International Thailand’s Public Campaign Officer, said that this activity is part of the “Write for Rights” campaign, an Amnesty’s global human rights campaign as it is believed that the power of ordinary people can truly create changes and help those whose rights have been violated. Submitting the letter and list of names is a way for the people of Thailand to voice their concerns directly to the Myanmar authorities through its Embassy.
From October 2025 to February 2026, Amnesty Thailand invited people to show their support to Sai Zaw Thaike by signing petitions and letters addressed to those in power. A total of 3,008 signatures, postcards, and letters have been collected to demand his immediate and unconditional release by the Myanmar authorities.
Jinwara added that the right to seek, receive, and be informed is protected under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Meanwhile, the use of violence during his detention and the lack of due process in Sai Zaw Thaike’s case are inconsistent with international human rights law and standards.
“Since the beginning of 2026, at least three journalists and photojournalists in Thailand have to face legal actions simply for reporting facts that serve public interest. This does not just raise alarm about press freedom in Thailand, but reflects how concerning the state of freedom of expression in the region and the world is.”
“Meanwhile, in Myanmar, a photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a military court simply for documenting the truth about the aftermath of a cyclone. During his imprisonment, he faced torture, physical abuse, and solitary confinement.
“When presenting the truth becomes a crime, the question arises: how can press freedom survive, and who will still dare to communicate for the public good? Amnesty International affirms that ‘Journalism is Not a Crime,’ and we will continue to stand by those who tell the truth, because this is everyone’s right.”
A Myanmar photojournalist, Sai Zaw Thaike has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was arrested in May 2023 while reporting on the impact of Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State. He was later investigated and reportedly beaten during detention. In September 2023, he was sentenced by a military court after a trial that lasted only one day.
This situation raises serious concerns about arbitrary detention, the right to a fair trial, and the prohibition against torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. In addition, this detention constitutes a blatant violation of the right to freedom of expression, as journalists and photojournalists are expected to perform their duties without fear of arrest, detention, or reprisal.
As a photojournalist, Sai Zaw Thaike is determined to convey messages on the environment and human rights through the photography of livelihood of the people in Myanmar and to exercise his right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as well as environmental rights. Therefore, Amnesty International calls on the Myanmar authorities to act as follows;
- Immediately and unconditionally release Sai Zaw Thaike, as he is detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.
- Ensure that he is protected from torture and other ill-treatment, and granted access to adequate medical care.
- Uphold the rights to freedom of expression and fair trial, in line with international human rights standards.
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