Khon Kaen - Hundreds of northeastern villagers and activists marked International Human Rights Day Wednesday by airing their grievances to foreign diplomats.
In Bangkok, a number of people decided to have a "holiday picnic" at the Democracy Monument on Wednesday, which was both Constitution Day and International Human Rights Day. Police stood by but let the event go forward. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
Ambassadors from the UK, Canada and New Zealand, as well as envoys from the US, Sweden and the EU mission in Bangkok attended the International Academic Human Rights Conference and Seventh Annual Isan Human Rights Festival in Khon Kaen.
Prior to the event, David Streckfuss, director of the international exchange programme council at Khon Kaen University, and four members of the event's organising committee were asked to sign a military document saying they would not criticise the government and the National Council for Peace and Order.
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But activists still used the event to speak out.
Nid Tortun, coordinator of Chaiyaphum's Degraded Forestry Use Network, urged diplomats to tell Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to restore the rights of Thais, which have been "stolen" by the military.
Sawad Oupahad, a coordinator for the Thai Landless Villagers' Network in Sakon Nakhon, said soldiers have stopped many poor people from gaining access to land and natural resources in the Phu Phan mountains where they used to live.
Ranong Kongsaen, 54, a coordinator for the Khon Rak Ban Kerd group from Loei province, complained about conflicts between villagers in Wang Saphung district and Thung Kham Ltd, a gold mine operator.
Ms Ranong said local villagers have received no help from the military rulers despite rising tensions.
The company is accused of contaminating the environment with toxic metals and cyanide, but denies the claims.
Krisakorn Silarak, an activist who campaigns against the Pak Moon dam, said people are still searching for a solution to their conflict with the authorities over the dam in Ubon Ratchathani's Khong Chiam district. He said the government had broken promises to open the dam's sluice gates for a period of four months each year.
UK ambassador Mark Kent said democratic governments must empower citizens through elections and protect the freedom of the press and social media, while maintaining the rule of law.
"To be successful in social and economic development, nations must ensure the social responsibility of the state and private undertakings," Mr Kent said.