British 'Finnwatch' activist faces prosecution in Thailand

[webfact]

Finnwatch activist faces prosecution
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- British migrant rights activist Andy Hall has been formally detained following his fight for better work conditions for migrant workers in Thailand.

The Office of Attorney General agreed to prosecute him for criminal defamation following the charges filed by Natural Fruit, the employer of migrant workers interviewed by the activist.

He was released on bail and the trial will take place at the Phrakhanong Court.

Hall conducted interviews with migrants from Myanmar working in the pineapple and tuna export industry to assist Finnwatch in its compilation of a report titled "Cheap Has a High Price".

The report, released in January 2013 and updated in January 2014, outlined particularly poor labour conditions in Natural Fruit’s factory, selling pineapple concentrate to Finnish supermarkets.

-- The Nation 2014-06-19

[dahinni]

what is wrong with that to investigate working conditions

[Asiantravel]

He did a brave but possibly unwise thing to take on the establishment single-handed

If he had been an employee or affiliated somehow to UNESCO who are campaigning for similar objectives, he probably wouldn't be in this position today.

[cloudhopper]

Well I hope that this ridiculous prosecution only serves to further highlight the human trafficking taking place in Thailand and a forthcoming, well deserved downgrade.

[Lakegeneve]

He did a brave but possibly unwise thing to take on the establishment single-handed

If he had been an employee or affiliated somehow to UNESCO who are campaigning for similar objectives, he probably wouldn't be in this position today.

If he worked for a UN agency he would be entitled to diplomatic immunity as are all UN staff in the conduct of their work.

ILO and OHCHR, IOM or UNHCR would be much more relevant on this issue than UNESCO....

[webfact]

Finnwatch researcher nabbed for 'defaming' Thai fruit juice exporter



BANGKOK: -- British researcher Andy Hall returned to court in Thailand on June 18 to hear the fourth charge brought against him by Natural Fruit, a Thai pineapple processing company.cropped-andy-hall-header

Hall, who lives in Rangoon, was charged with criminal defamation for revealing labour abuses allegedly committed by the company during an Al Jazeera video report produced in the former Burmese capital.

After being escorted by police to the Prakanong public prosecutor’s office in Bangkok, Hall was arraigned and taken into custody, but was released on bail after two hours in a detention cell.

Read more: DVB

Source: http://scandasia.com/finnwatch-researcher-nabbed-for-defaming-thai-fruit-juice-exporter/

-- ScandAsia 2014-06-19

[thesetat2013]

what is wrong with that to investigate working conditions

Try googling criminal defamation since that was why he was arrested. Not for qeustioning the workers

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[hobz]

defamation laws exists for a reason.

[firestar]

defamation laws exists for a reason.

Unfortunately in Thailand they seem to exist for the sole purpose of having a big stick to silence critics.

[englishoak]

Legal action against Hall has raised international criticism. In addition to Finnwatch, numerous NGOs and global union federations have condemned the harassment. 5 UN Special Rapporteurs have sought clarifications amidst concern Hall is being targeted for his work to promote migrant rights. – Hall told us he will voluntary take part in all judicial processes.

He has done nothing wrong and hopes his case will shed only further light on systematic migrant rights abuses in Thailand, said Vartiala. Together Natural Fruit has raised 4 charges against Hall. The initial 2 criminal charges relate to defamation by publication/propagation under the Thai Criminal Code and breach of the Computer Crimes Act, for which initial hearings have begun but the case awaits summons delivery confirmation by the Bangkok South Criminal Court.

A third charge relates to civil defamation.The latest and fourth charge against Hall, Natural Fruit Company Ltd. filed additional criminal charges against Hall at Bangna Police Station for criminal defamation. If found guilty of criminal charges laid against him at Bangkok South Criminal Court, Hall could face together seven years in prison per count. Natural Fruit are also claiming 300 million baht ($10 million) in damages from Hall in the civil case filed at Nakhon Pathom Civil Court.

The latest charges at Bangna Police Station that were today taken forward by the Attorney General and Prakanong Court carry a maximum sentence of one years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 20, 000 Baht (US$650).

Serious problems in Natural Fruit’s labour conditions have been highlighted in several other reports and research as well as the Finnwatch report, to which Hall assisted initially.

According to Finnwatch’s information, Thai authorities have not raised any legal actions against Natural Fruit.

Best of luck Andy, one day truth here will be valued not punished.

[Somtamnication]

They will most certainly lose business in Finland. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot!

[noitom]

Oxymoron of the day the Thai "public secret." I hope Mr. Hall has the resources necessary to defend himself and win the case. If it is a charge against printed or video media, then it is libel and the defense is 'truth." Was it proven to be true? It's a certainty that Mr. Hall has his evidence and hopefully will receive a fair trial and unbiased interpretation by the judges.

[Thai at Heart]

Legal action against Hall has raised international criticism. In addition to Finnwatch, numerous NGOs and global union federations have condemned the harassment. 5 UN Special Rapporteurs have sought clarifications amidst concern Hall is being targeted for his work to promote migrant rights. Hall told us he will voluntary take part in all judicial processes.

He has done nothing wrong and hopes his case will shed only further light on systematic migrant rights abuses in Thailand, said Vartiala. Together Natural Fruit has raised 4 charges against Hall. The initial 2 criminal charges relate to defamation by publication/propagation under the Thai Criminal Code and breach of the Computer Crimes Act, for which initial hearings have begun but the case awaits summons delivery confirmation by the Bangkok South Criminal Court.

A third charge relates to civil defamation.The latest and fourth charge against Hall, Natural Fruit Company Ltd. filed additional criminal charges against Hall at Bangna Police Station for criminal defamation. If found guilty of criminal charges laid against him at Bangkok South Criminal Court, Hall could face together seven years in prison per count. Natural Fruit are also claiming 300 million baht ($10 million) in damages from Hall in the civil case filed at Nakhon Pathom Civil Court.

The latest charges at Bangna Police Station that were today taken forward by the Attorney General and Prakanong Court carry a maximum sentence of one years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 20, 000 Baht (US$650).

Serious problems in Natural Fruits labour conditions have been highlighted in several other reports and research as well as the Finnwatch report, to which Hall assisted initially.

According to Finnwatchs information, Thai authorities have not raised any legal actions against Natural Fruit.

Best of luck Andy, one day truth here will be valued not punished.

It's just another nail in the coffin for thailand in respect for people trafficking.

What if the court admits that there were breaches of the law? Wouldn't that make it even harder for the USA to not put thailand to level 3?

[timewilltell]

Oxymoron of the day the Thai "public secret." I hope Mr. Hall has the resources necessary to defend himself and win the case. If it is a charge against printed or video media, then it is libel and the defense is 'truth." Was it proven to be true? It's a certainty that Mr. Hall has his evidence and hopefully will receive a fair trial and unbiased interpretation by the judges.

Unfortunately 'truth' is not the defense you think it is under the Thai defamation laws. These laws are horrendous and do nothing to better the country but protect criminality and malpractice and hamper progress.

Thailand does not like its dirty laundry aired in public, true or not. Like its society it prefers things unexposed and hidden so it can deceive itself of reality. It is a mirror of society and the way people personally conduct themselves as a general rule.

Western nations are guilty of turning a blind eye for the benefit of profits which is just as nauseating, preferring to pay lip service to fool their consumers, the average person who does not want to support slavery and in humane conditions and would prefer to buy from more morally responsible companies. Unfortunately the same people want things as cheaply as possible which does not gel.

What a wonderful world we live in.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[webfact]

Finnwatch activist faces prosecution
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- British migrant rights activist Andy Hall was formally detained following his fight for better work conditions for migrant workers in Thailand.

The Office of the Attorney-General has decided to prosecute him according to the defamation charges filed by Natural Fruit, the employer of migrant workers interviewed by the activist. The office accepted the case on ground that Hall of Finnwatch, in his interview with al-Jazeera TV station, admitted that his report could cause damage in Thailand.

Hall pleaded not guilty to all charges. After turning himself in on Wednesday, he was released on bail.

"Finnwatch is very disappointed about the court's decision to accept the case. Such criminal charges are judicial harassment against a human rights defender," the NGO's executive director Sonja Vartiala said.

"Hall told us he will voluntary take part in all judicial processes. He has done nothing wrong and hopes his case will shed only further light on systematic migrant rights abuses in Thailand", said Vartiala.

Hall conducted interviews with migrants from Myanmar working in the pineapple and tuna export industry to help Finnwatch compile a report entitled "Cheap Has a High Price". The report, released in January 2013 and updated in January 2014, outlined the particularly poor labour conditions in Natural Fruit's factory, selling pineapple concentrate to Finnish supermarkets.

Natural Fruit, located in Prachuap Khiri Khan, began a series of civil and criminal prosecutions against Andy Hall in February 2013.

Together Natural Fruit has raised 4 charges against Hall. The initial 2 criminal charges relate to defamation by publication/propogation under the Thai Criminal Code and breach of the Computer Crimes Act, for which initial hearings have begun but the case awaits summons delivery confirmation by the Bangkok South Criminal Court. A third charge relates to civil defamation. The latest and fourth charge against Hall, Natural Fruit filed additional criminal charges against Hall at Bangna Police Station for criminal defamation.

If found guilty of criminal charges, Hall could face together seven years in prison per count. Natural Fruit are also claiming Bt300 million in damages from Hall in the civil case filed at Nakhon Pathom Civil Court. The latest charges at Bangna Police Station carry a maximum sentence of one years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding Bt20,000.

Hall's Bt50,000 bail was provided by Thai Tuna Industry Association and Thai Frozen Foods Association.

"Finnwatch is delighted by the decision of TFFA and TTIA to guarantee bail for Hall so as to acknowledge his important work on migrant rights protection in Thailand," said Finnwatch Executive Director Sonja Vartiala.

Chanintr Chalisarapong, president of TTIA said "TTIA and TFFA are committed in our ethical standard policy to work with responsible NGOs like Finnwatch based on good faith and transparency. We shall support and assist the Finnwatch team in Thailand being able to work independently and efficiently with the objective to enhance and improve the migrant labour conditions in the tuna and shrimp industry in Thailand."


-- The Nation 2014-06-20

[StreetCowboy]

The prosecution has highlighted the issue far better than the report. Good Job, Natural Fruit!

[technologybytes]

Really he should know better then to get involved in Thailand.

Edited June 20, 2014 by technologybytes

[apalink_thailand]

Anyone have a link to the AJ article? I could not find anything on AJ. It would be interesting to hear what his defaming comments were.

[6NS]

Oxymoron of the day the Thai "public secret." I hope Mr. Hall has the resources necessary to defend himself and win the case. If it is a charge against printed or video media, then it is libel and the defense is 'truth." Was it proven to be true? It's a certainty that Mr. Hall has his evidence and hopefully will receive a fair trial and unbiased interpretation by the judges.

Unfortunately 'truth' is not the defense you think it is under the Thai defamation laws. These laws are horrendous and do nothing to better the country but protect criminality and malpractice and hamper progress.

Thailand does not like its dirty laundry aired in public, true or not. Like its society it prefers things unexposed and hidden so it can deceive itself of reality. It is a mirror of society and the way people personally conduct themselves as a general rule.

Western nations are guilty of turning a blind eye for the benefit of profits which is just as nauseating, preferring to pay lip service to fool their consumers, the average person who does not want to support slavery and in humane conditions and would prefer to buy from more morally responsible companies. Unfortunately the same people want things as cheaply as possible which does not gel.

What a wonderful world we live in.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

Are these migrent workers being forced to work in these factories or are they in Thailand working because the pay and conditions in Thailand are better than in there own countries?

If this is about migrent workers on boats whitnessing mirders than we have a different case,,,murder. Why is this about workers willing to work for more money than they could earn elswhere and not about exploited, forced, slavory if this is what's happening???

[Card]

He did a brave but possibly unwise thing to take on the establishment single-handed

If he had been an employee or affiliated somehow to UNESCO who are campaigning for similar objectives, he probably wouldn't be in this position today.

He is probably rejoicing - one way to get maximum publicity for his cause.

[Card]

Oxymoron of the day the Thai "public secret." I hope Mr. Hall has the resources necessary to defend himself and win the case. If it is a charge against printed or video media, then it is libel and the defense is 'truth." Was it proven to be true? It's a certainty that Mr. Hall has his evidence and hopefully will receive a fair trial and unbiased interpretation by the judges.

Unfortunately 'truth' is not the defense you think it is under the Thai defamation laws. These laws are horrendous and do nothing to better the country but protect criminality and malpractice and hamper progress.

Thailand does not like its dirty laundry aired in public, true or not. Like its society it prefers things unexposed and hidden so it can deceive itself of reality. It is a mirror of society and the way people personally conduct themselves as a general rule.

Western nations are guilty of turning a blind eye for the benefit of profits which is just as nauseating, preferring to pay lip service to fool their consumers, the average person who does not want to support slavery and in humane conditions and would prefer to buy from more morally responsible companies. Unfortunately the same people want things as cheaply as possible which does not gel.

What a wonderful world we live in.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

Are these migrent workers being forced to work in these factories or are they in Thailand working because the pay and conditions in Thailand are better than in there own countries?

If this is about migrent workers on boats whitnessing mirders than we have a different case,,,murder. Why is this about workers willing to work for more money than they could earn elswhere and not about exploited, forced, slavory if this is what's happening???

It's about people who have no prospects in their own country who need to feed their families and because of that they are wide open to exploitation and slavery, both of which are in contravention of international and labour law, as well as possibly being paid below the minimum wage which is against Thai law. Those who think it's a simple consequence of the free labour market are simplistic and ignorant.

[ChrisY1]

Really he should know better then to get involved in Thailand.

You're probably right to some degree.....however, some people feel a genuine responsiblity to help those who can't help themselves.....the poor worldwide appreciate outsiders assistance.

I believe he knew of the possible outcomes of reporting these matters, in Thailand, prior to going to press......

[6NS]

Oxymoron of the day the Thai "public secret." I hope Mr. Hall has the resources necessary to defend himself and win the case. If it is a charge against printed or video media, then it is libel and the defense is 'truth." Was it proven to be true? It's a certainty that Mr. Hall has his evidence and hopefully will receive a fair trial and unbiased interpretation by the judges.

Unfortunately 'truth' is not the defense you think it is under the Thai defamation laws. These laws are horrendous and do nothing to better the country but protect criminality and malpractice and hamper progress.

Thailand does not like its dirty laundry aired in public, true or not. Like its society it prefers things unexposed and hidden so it can deceive itself of reality. It is a mirror of society and the way people personally conduct themselves as a general rule.

Western nations are guilty of turning a blind eye for the benefit of profits which is just as nauseating, preferring to pay lip service to fool their consumers, the average person who does not want to support slavery and in humane conditions and would prefer to buy from more morally responsible companies. Unfortunately the same people want things as cheaply as possible which does not gel.

What a wonderful world we live in.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

Are these migrent workers being forced to work in these factories or are they in Thailand working because the pay and conditions in Thailand are better than in there own countries?

If this is about migrent workers on boats whitnessing mirders than we have a different case,,,murder. Why is this about workers willing to work for more money than they could earn elswhere and not about exploited, forced, slavory if this is what's happening???

It's about people who have no prospects in their own country who need to feed their families and because of that they are wide open to exploitation and slavery, both of which are in contravention of international and labour law, as well as possibly being paid below the minimum wage which is against Thai law. Those who think it's a simple consequence of the free labour market are simplistic and ignorant.

I know at least 3 dozen Bermeese workers, all earning 9,000B to 20,000B, is that explytation? The Thais won't take these same jobs. If the workers in the factories and on the boats aren't happy they should go elswhere in Thailand for work, or back home. I'm not defending low wages, I just don't see there can be any other issue here than forced slavory. If forced slavory is happening than yes, drop the hammer down and drop it hard.

[rbmcn]

working in Thailand without a permit?

[wilcopops]

If you attack big money, they will hit back. Of course this reflects badly on the international image of Thailand as it makes it look as if they are condoning this sort of exploitation.

It has to be noted that Thailand is falling rapidly on various ll league tables concerned with human rights, trafficking and environmentalist issues..... Not a good thing in the long run.

[wilcopops]

In Thailand truth is not necessarily a defence against libel; if the offended party can show loss or damage, that may be sufficient ..... We're talking about disruption of harmony here.

Edited June 20, 2014 by wilcopops

[Emster23]

Some of the posters seem to be judging this from how defamation laws work in Western countries. Read up a bit, things are very different here, such as:

1. "Truth" is not part of the issue, and is not a defense. If "victim" of defamation loses esteem etc, that is good enough

2. Defamation is criminal, not civil. You can get serious jail time for speaking your mind. Don't think that happens most places in the West.

I am sure there are more differences, maybe others can add. But those two I listed seem to be major.

[SOTIRIOS]

...it seems like a personal issue...i.e. the company in question.....

[wabothai]

DEFAMING -- a word i hear too often lately !

[6NS]

"They should go elsewhere" That has to be the most facile comment of the thread so far...... you clearly have no idea how these people are exploited.

My reply,,,

I'm sorry, I may not have the total picture but think that if there is slavory happening there needs to be something done, yes, like I said, bring the hammer down hard.

If it's wages than move on. Again like I said, I know a few dozen Bermeese workers happy with 9 to 20 thousand Baht per month.