Juvenile protest shakes Nakhon Ratchasima detention centre

Nakhon Ratchasima was the epicentre of a juvenile protest on November 10, as over 40 minors rallied against alleged injustice within a juvenile detention centre. The minors accused the correctional officers of unwarranted harassment and punishment. A significant demand put forth by the protest leaders was the reinstatement of their young activist leader, whose identity is being withheld due to age restrictions, back into the facility.

The officers were able to quell the protest, convincing the minors to cease any violent behaviour and halt the destruction of property. They subsequently escorted 36 protest leaders to the Nakhon Ratchasima and Chon Buri Central Prisons.

On the following day, November 11, Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister, stepped in. He directed Sayam Sirimongkol, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, to engage in constructive dialogue and strictly forbade any physical harm towards the young protestors.

Anutin instructed that there should be no physical violence against youths by government officials as understanding is a key to solving the problem, reported The Pattaya News.

By the time this report was published, the situation had been brought under control, with the officers maintaining custody of the protest leaders. Reports indicate that measures have been put in place to prevent any similar incidents incited by third parties.

In related news, Amnesty International calls for the immediate dropping of charges against child protesters in Thailand, emphasizing the unjust intimidation, surveillance, and criminalization they face for expressing their views.

Authorities have targeted over 300 protesters under 18, with nearly 200 active cases, many under repealed laws. The charges, including sedition and spreading false information, are related to an obsolete pandemic-related emergency decree.

Amnesty urges Thai authorities to seize World Children’s Day as an opportunity to foster a safe environment for freedom of expression, allowing these young individuals to move forward without legal impediments. Notably, the impending ruling in the case of Thanakorn Phiraban, facing 15 years for a peaceful protest at 17, underscores the urgency of justice. Read more HERE.