WHEN:
Thursday, April 6, 2023, 1 p.m. Bangkok Time
WHERE:
The Fort, Bangkok and The Fort’s Facebook Page
Thailand’s general elections on May 14 will reverberate throughout Southeast Asia at a time when the region faces deepening human rights, environmental, socio-economic, and security challenges. Violence, instability, and inequality in the region have led to the increased movement of people within Thailand and across its borders. Such movements are both forced and voluntary.
On April 6, The Fort will host a Thai-language roundtable discussion on Thailand’s treatment of refugees and migrant workers with representatives from many of the main political parties standing for election this year. Candidates and party representatives will share views and respond to questions on this important topic.
The roundtable discussion is being organized by the Coalition for the Rights of Refugees and Stateless Persons, the Migrant Working Group, the Myanmar Response Network, Burma Concern, The Reporters, 3MitiNews, and TheCitizen.Plus, Thai Public Broadcasting Service.
The event will include opening remarks by Professor Surichai Wun’Gaeo, the director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Chulalongkorn University; a presentation by Krittaporn Semsantad from the Coalition for the Rights of Refugees and Stateless Persons; a presentation from Adisorn Kerdmongkol, the coordinator of the Migrant Working Group; and a moderated roundtable discussion with representatives of Thailand’s political parties.
Light snacks prepared by refugees as well as coffee and other beverages prepared by Dots Coffee—a coffee shop operated by persons with visual impairment—will be available free of charge.
This event is open to the public and free of charge. The event will also be live-streamed on The Fort’s Facebook Page with simultaneous English language interpretation.
Opening Remarks:
Professor Surichai Wun’Gaeo, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Director of the Center for Peace and Conflicts Studies, Chulalongkorn University
Presentations on the situation of refugees and migrant workers in Thailand:
Krittaporn Semsantad, Coalition for the Rights of Refugees and Stateless Persons
Adisorn Kerdmongkol, Coordinator, Migrant Working Group
Roundtable Discussion:
Kannavee Suebsang, Secretary-General, Phen Tham Party
Kiat Sittheeamorn, Party-list representative, Democrat Party
Chaturon Chaisang, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Pheu Thai Party
Chonthicha Jaengraew, Candidate, Move Forward Party
Sita Tiwari, Secretary-General, Thaisangthai Party
Panit Pawaranggoon, Executive Committee, Commoners’ Party
Poramez Kumarnboon, Spokesperson, Chartthaipattana Party
Pawitsarat Tiyapairat, Party Leader, For the Nation Party
Voranai Vanijaka, Advisor to the Party Leader, Chartpattanakla Party
Moderator:
Thapanee Eadsrichai, The Reporters