Amnesty International Thailand

Amnesty International Thailand (also known as Amnesty Thailand and AI Thailand) is a non-governmental organisation focused on the protection of human rights in Thailand and worldwide with more than 1,000 members across Thailand.^[4] Amnesty Thailand is one of more than 50 sections that make up Amnesty International worldwide.^[5]

Amnesty International, as a whole, is an organization of more than 7 million supporters, activists and volunteers in over 150 countries,^[6] with complete independence from government, corporate and any interest group.^[7] It works to mobilise public opinion to put pressure on governments that let abuse take place. The organisation was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.^[8]

Amnesty International Thailand was established in 1993 and registered with the Thai Government ten years later in 2003 as an association. Their headquarters are located in Chatuchak, Bangkok. In 2016, Amnesty International also opened its South East Asia and Pacific Regional Office in Pathum Wan, Bangkok.

Campaigns

Amnesty Thailand works in cooperation with government, private organisations and independent bodies, and conducts various activities to promote understanding and protection human rights on a large scale.

In June 2016, Amnesty Thailand urged the Thai government to drop all charges against 13 pro-democracy activists and release 7 activists who were campaigning to reject the new constitution draft in the incoming constitutional referendum.^[9]

In June 2016, Amnesty Thailand together with Thai Netizen Network also launched an online petition^[10] to rewrite amendments to the Computer-related Crime Act aiming to keep it in line with international laws and standards. According to Amnesty Thailand, the current bill would pose threats to civil liberties, privacy, trade secrets, and security of the internet.^[11]

Amnesty Thailand also presents annual Media Awards to honour Thai media organizations and professionals who have produced outstanding reporting about human rights, in order to promote freedom of the press and encourage more such stories.^[12]

Missions of Amnesty International Thailand

The missions of Amnesty Thailand are largely based on the protection of the Human Rights as explained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rightsใ^[13] Amnesty Thailand campaigns and advocates for :

• Economic, social and cultural rights
• Freedom of expression, association and assembly
• Human rights violation in Myanmar
• End the death penalty and torture
• Corporate responsibility
• The protection of the rights of the refugees and migrant workers in Thailand as well as Southeast Asia^[14]
• Making sure those responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable and victims have access to justice, truth and reparation^[15]
• Providing Human Rights Education and Training of Trainers (TOT) for students, educators, community leaders and government officials

Organizational structure

Amnesty International Thailand is composed of members who elect the Board Members and Chairperson. Each year there is an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the future of the organization and other important topics are being discussed and approved by attending members.

As of 2016 Amnesty Thailand includes at least three main task forces;

• Campaign
  • Policy and Advocacy
  • Activism
  • Media and Communication
• Growth and Mobilization
  • Fundraising
  • Membership
• Administration

Support

Amnesty Thailand are currently financially supported by Amnesty International and individual donations from more than 1,000 members across Thailand.^[16] It is planning to launch a face-to-face fundraising program in late 2016 and digital fundraising program in 2017.

See also

• Amnesty International
• Human rights in Thailand
• Censorship in Thailand
• Criticism of Amnesty International
• Human Rights Watch

References

External links

• Amnesty Thailand Official Website (in Thai only)
• Amnesty International Official Website