Senators have called on the government to protect Angkhana Neelapaijit and Human Rights Watch researcher Sunai Phasuk following death threats targeting them over recent comments regarding a well-known activist who has been blasting ghostly sounds and high-pitched noises to intimidate Cambodian civilians in the border area.
Senator Thewarit Maneechai said both Sen Angkhana, a former National Human Rights Commissioner, and Mr Sunai had formally sought police protection, and urged swift action to ensure their safety.
“The government must take this seriously,” Sen Thewarit said, adding that the National Human Rights Commission should examine potential violations.
He also called for balanced media coverage and responsible online moderation. “If any posts cross the line into threats or incitement, platforms must cooperate in investigations,” he said.
The controversy stems from Sen Angkhana’s translation of a Cambodian human rights complaint submitted to the UN following influencer Guntouch “Gun Jompalang” Pongpaiboonwet’s broadcasts of ghostly sounds and aircraft engine noises directed at Cambodian civilians in the border area.
Sen Angkhana claimed the use of sound was backed by the Thai army and constituted psychological torture under the CAT Convention, warning that Thailand’s image may suffer on the global stage.
Sen Thewarit rejected claims that Sen Angkhana had not defended Thai interests, citing her previous condemnation of Cambodian landmines along the border. “Human rights defenders are vital when the state fails to deliver justice,” he added.
Sen Noraset Prachayagorn echoed the call for calm, stressing that freedom of expression and patriotism must coexist. “We must love our country with mindfulness and maturity,” he said.
Sen Noraset said that the Senate’s Political Development Committee had invited Mr Sunai and the NHRC to provide information, noting Thailand’s sensitive international security context.
Sen Sunthorn Prueksapipat clarified that the Senate’s statement was not about defending individuals, but was focused on the broader principle of human rights.
In a Facebook post made on Sunday, Sen Angkhana vowed to continue her work despite the threats.
“The recent incidents will not discourage me or Mr Sunai. On the contrary, they strengthen our resolve,” she wrote.