Yesterday, two buses carrying more than a hundred members of the People's Movement for Just Society (P-MOVE) were intercepted by security officers in Chiang Mai and Lamphum Provinces, preventing them to travel to Bangkok to meet government officials. P-MOVE is a network of community-based organizations advocating for land rights. They have been holding meetings with the Prime Minister's Office to discuss land concerns.
The same day, banners of the Migrant Rights' Workers Federation were confiscated by police officers in Samut Sakhon Province. Four trade union activists affiliated with General Motors Labor Union were arrested by police officers for holding an assembly in front of the US Embassy raising concerns on the dismissal by General Motors of their fellow workers. The Regional Office is concerned that these methods of intimidation will have a chilling effect on organisations and communities who wish to raise similar concerns.
"A month after the successful visit of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, it is critical for Thailand to create space for people affected by businesses to express their views and grievances, and seek redress", Ms. Veliko added.
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The Regional Office for South-East Asia in Bangkok represents the High Commissioner for Human Rights within South East Asia. The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official of the United Nations and heads the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which spearheads the United Nations' human rights efforts.