October 3, 2015
Dear President Obama,
As Thai-American who are concerned about the political situation in Thailand, we would like to thank you and show our appreciation on your recent speech at the United Nations 70th Anniversary that supports democracy, people power, and against authoritarianism all over the world. The Thai communities in Illinois and across the US including in Thailand would like to applaud you for your comments as reported in the press. We would like to pick 2 in particular:
First, you mentioned:
“(the authoritarian regime) can jail your opponents, but you can’t imprison ideas. You can try to control access to information, but you cannot turn a lie into truth“
And
“...a government that suppresses peaceful dissent is not showing strength; it is showing weakness and it is showing fear. History shows that regimes who fear their own people will eventually crumble”
As you know, Thailand was under the military rule since 22 May, 2014; and since then there were wide spread of human rights violations, including the use of Lese Majeste law, article 112, to suppress political dissent. Many civilians were put into the military court for violating article 112, and hundreds were arrested for ‘attitude adjustment’.
Your speech are so essential that it sent a clear message to the Thai military junta that the U.S. will stand with people who cherishes democracy.
We hope that you continue to be critical of the Thai military and demand return Thailand democracy as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
The Union for Thai Democracy
ชมรมผู้รักประชาธิปไตยไทยในรัฐอิลลินอยส์
