About Us

The Freedom of Expression Documentation Center is developed by iLaw, a non-profit organization with an aim to create Social Reform by increasing public participation and demand for legislative change. (Please click here for further information about iLaw)

The Documentation Center collects and keeps records of abuses made by law or the authority regarding freedom of expression in Thailand. We believe that the database kept here will be one of the pathways to protect Rights and Freedom in the society.

Media freedom is an indicator used to pinpoint the quality of a country’s socio-political condition. If a society respects freedom of opinion and welcomes criticisms, it is likely that a strong Check and Balance system has already been settled.

At present, controversies and ideological clashes are widespread within Thai society. New devices and communication technologies developed allow individuals to put forward their opinions much easier. A small community can convey their news through the low frequency wave system which is known as “community radio”. An ordinary person can make criticisms and create a social impact through typing and sending information through the electric field known as “internet”. Documentary maker or freelance/amateur photographer do not need to be backed up by business network because they can put their works together, broadcast onto various websites and disseminate to wider audiences. Not only that the technology has changed, but social conflict has pressed people to demand more accessibility for news, information and ways to pass on their opinions. This leads to the creation of numerous social mechanisms that prevent such accessibility.

What is clear and is a main problem in Thai society is the creation of new laws aim to limit personal opinion. This includes the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007), Emergency Decree on the Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005), Internal Security Act B.E. 2550 (2007), Martial Law B.E. 2457 (1914), Film and Video Act B.E. 2551 (2008), National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission B.E. 2553 (2010).

At one point, Thai society used media freedom as an important index to indicate the atmosphere of freedom of expression in the country. Currently, the media freedom index might not be enough since freedom of expression by individuals and communities has not yet been well addressed. Therefore, iLaw has inspired to start a project called “Freedom of Expression Documentation Center” to gather statistics and detailed information related to the violation of freedom of expression.

We expect that the facts we gathered will create awareness to the society on the issue. The documentation center still needs your participation and support.

Please read here on how you could help us.

Contact us

Email

Office email - ilaw@ilaw.or.th

Staffes email

Yingcheep Atchanont - yingcheep@ilaw.or.th

Anon Chawalawan - chawalawan@ilaw.or.th

Weerawat Somnuek - weerawat@ilaw.or.th

Office Telephone 

026154797 (Please call between 10.00 AM and 6.30 PM)