CORE is among a coalition of 87 civil society groups, worker organisations, businesses and European Parliamentarians which have sent an open letter sent to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha regarding criminal defamation charges brought against Myanmar workers.
The letter responds to defamation charges brought by Thammakaset Company Limited on October 6, 2016, against 14 poultry farm workers from Myanmar who alleged the Thai company seriously violated their rights. Migrant rights activist Andy Hall also faces criminal defamation charges related to the case.
The 14 migrant workers now face up to one and a half years’ imprisonment and/or fines of up to 30,000 Thai baht (US$900) for criminal defamation and other charges brought by Thammakaset Co. Ltd. Andy Hall is facing potential imprisonment of up to 7 years and fines up to 300,000 Thai baht (US$9,000) for alleged criminal defamation and violations under the CCA.
The open letter is available here.