Amnesty InternationalPhoto : ©Nathalie Jamois/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Global executions

Executions soared to their highest number in almost a decade in 2023 with a sharp rise across the Middle East, Amnesty International said today as it released its annual report on the global use of the death penalty.

Upon the last statement by Piyanut Kotsan, Director of Amnesty International Thailand, who gave a welcome speech to the event “BEING OURSELVES IS TOO DANGEROUS”, silence prevailed in the room. Everyone was stunned and stayed silent to mourn the passing of Netiporn “Boong” Sanehsangkhom, a political activist and hunger striker who died in prison on 14 May 2024.

Women and LGBTI activists in Thailand are being subjected to an online onslaught of abusive speech laced with misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic language, sexualized content and other forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TfGBV), Amnesty International said in a new report released today.

Responding to the death of Netiporn ‘Bung’ Sanesangkhom, a Thai pro-democracy activist who passed away today after a prolonged hunger strike in detention, Amnesty International Thailand Director Piyanut Kotsan said:“Amnesty International expresses its deepest condolences following the death of Netiporn ‘Bung’ Sanesangkhom, who had gone on hunger strike in protest at her and others’ arbitrary detention, including for peacefully exercising their human rights.

Amnesty International Thailand expresses its deepest condolences following the tragic death of Netiporn ‘Bung’ Sanesangkhom, an online English Teacher and pro-democracy activist, who passed away in detention at a correctional hospital after a prolonged hunger strike. Her death is a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are denying activists their right to temporary release on bail and using detention to silence the peaceful expression of dissent.Netiporn ‘Bung’ Sanesangkhom died today in Bangkok, Thailand, from health complications after a 110- day hunger strike, protesting her detention since 27 January 2024 and the authorities’ consistent refusal to grant temporary release on bail to her and other activists. This is a grim day for Thai society, highlighting the severe judicial harassment and the justice system’s failure to recognize basic human rights. Speaking out should not lead to death; it should inspire change.We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bung’s family and friends. This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call to Thai authorities to release all human rights defenders and activists who are unjustly detained and to respect their right to bail. We call on the authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into Netiporn’s death and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.Amnesty International Thailand demands immediate action to protect the rights, grants rights to bail and to uphold justice and human rights in the country.

Amnesty International Thailand’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (#AGM24) was a remarkable success, drawing over 90 members from Bangkok and other provinces to the Best Western Chatuchak Hotel’s BARN meeting room on Saturday, April 27th. Participants joined both online and in person for a day packed with informative sessions and inspiring engagement.

Amnesty International’s The State of the World’s Human Rights report delivers an assessment of human rights in 155 countries. 2023 saw escalating conflicts and the near breakdown of international law. Powerful governments cast humanity into an era devoid of effective international rule of law, with civilians in conflicts paying the highest price, and rapid changes in artificial intelligence created fertile ground for discrimination, racism, and division. Meet some of the researchers working on the front lines of these pressing human rights issues.

This statement is more than true, especially in the context of Amnesty International, a human rights movement filled with individuals who hold this belief and have come together to support, volunteer, become members, or donate from around the world.

Human rights are inherent to every individual from birth, regardless of race, religion, or gender. Everyone is equal. The state has a duty to respect, protect, and facilitate access to these rights with dignity. Citizens, in turn, must not infringe upon the rights of others.