Charges Against Ex-Officers for 2004 Thai ‘Massacre’ Face Dismissal

Lawyers and rights groups in Thailand express concern that the 15 former military, police, and government officials charged in connection with the 2004 Tak Bai Massacre may evade court appearances before the statute of limitations expires on October 25, VOA revealed yesterday.

On that day, 85 protesters were killed, with seven shot by security forces and 78 suffocating in police trucks during a protest.

Despite recent charges filed against seven retired officers and eight others by the Office of the Attorney General, doubts remain about their attendance. The Narathiwat provincial court issued arrest warrants for six defendants who missed a September hearing, while one, ex-general Pisal Wattanawongkiri, has legal immunity as a lawmaker.

Human rights advocates warn that failure to hold these officials accountable could embolden future human rights violations. Families of the victims are urging the government to act, emphasizing the need for justice and truth in this long-standing case.