Andy Hall verdict damages Thailand’s development

Hall was sued by the private Thai firm Natural Fruit for defamation and violations o f the Computer Crimes Act in relation to a 2013 Finnwatch report titled “Cheap has a high price”, which alleged serious violations of migrant workers’ rights. 

Coming just a day after world leaders committed to a landmark UN declaration to “strengthen the positive contributions made by migrants to economic and social development in their host countries”, this court decision is very disturbing. Instead of prosecuting Mr Hall, it would have been more appropriate to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the serious allegations raised in the Finnwatch report. 

Amid a rise in mobility across the region, we need a stronger commitment from governments to protect migrant workers.

We are concerned by the increasing number of legal cases brought against human-rights defenders in Thailand, including Somchai Homalaor, Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, Anchana Heemmina and Sirikan Charoensiri. This year alone 10 such defenders, including eight women, have been charged with criminal offences for reporting violations. 

Rights defenders advance the cause of human rights and speak with great courage for the most marginalised people. The government of Thailand must protect them and promote their vital role in democracy, development and governance. 

Laurent Meillan

Regional representative of the UN |Human Rights Office for Southeast Asia