Wife of missing Muslim lawyer named to NHRC
THE NATION


File Photo - ANGKHANA NEELAPAIJIT

BANGKOK: -- Angkhana Neelapaijit, wife of missing Muslim lawyer Somchai, has been nominated to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

She joins Chatsuda Chandeeying, director of Chatsuda School in Samut Prakan; Boworn Yasinthorn, president of the Volunteer Network to protect three national institutions; Prakairat Toonteerawong, a lawyer; Wat Tingamitr, a former judge; Dr Supachai Thanomsap, a physician; and Dr Sura-chet Sathitniramai, a physician and ex-acting permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, as candidates to fill the seven-seat independent organisation.

The selection committee picked the seven persons from 121 applicants to replace the outgoing set of commissioners, led by Professor Amara Pongsapich.

The list will be submitted the National Legislative Assembly soon for approval, the National Anti-Corruption Commission said in a statement.

Angkhana has championed human rights and campaigned against forced disappearances since her husband Somchai vanished in 2004 after his long struggle for the civil rights of Muslims in the deep South. Many nominees are widely known for their roles in the justice system while some are political activists.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Wife-of-missing-Muslim-lawyer-named-to-NHRC-30264954.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-22

A good positive move. We can but hope that slowly but surely we shall over time see the emergence of a more just society here.

Although the present administration is accused of ''heavy handiness'' there have been more moves against corruption that we have ever seen here for many years here by the current administration.

Curing a political cancer of wholesale corruption is a slow and often painful experience for all concerned , let us hope that the cancer of corruption will be exorcised over the years.

But of course when change is made those who oppose it or fear it always cry wolf.

Composition of the NHRC as well as its independence will be irrelevant if the Junta succeeds to have it merged with the Office of the Ombudsman that is under the direct control of the Junta.

The NHRC is, sadly, the mantle piece and trophy wife of every Thai government...

Including the current non-government led by Mr. Constipation.

An excellent choice by the committee.

Anjana has worked tirelessly for over a decade since her husband was murdered and then scandalously ridiculed by the Thaksin regime.

She obviously qualifies. I have more doubts on Boworn Yasinthorn, a well-known yellow shirt activist and supporter of LM law:

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1437478068