Thai version: 2011_07_25_ใบแจ้งข่าว ญาติยื่นหนังสือรองปลัดทวี และDSI คดีคนหายไม่คืบหน้า
2011_07_26_ press statement_ two missings case relatives from bannangstra _complaints to MOJ and DSI in Bkk English version
For immediate release on 26 July 2011
Press Statement
Relatives will request DSI to investigate as a special case
Two rubber farmers went missing in Bannang Sata
as no progress made by local inquiry officials
SBPAC acknowledging the disappearance,
but for over three months providing no clue to the relatives
The Cross Cultural Foundation (CrCF) and Foundation of Muslim Attorney Centre (MAC) was informed by relatives of Mr. Ibroheng Kahong and Mr. Dulhami Marae who have gone missing for almost three months
since 30 April 2011. It was reported initially to MAC that on 30 April 2011, Mr. Ibroheng Kahong and Mr. Dulhami Marae had gone to ask for the boat seized by the officials from the Border Patrol Police Camp (Neresuan Camp), Ban Santi 1, Tambon Banglang, Bannang Sata District, Yala, locally known as the
“Parachute Police Camp”. On 30 April 2011, their relatives have gone to the Camp to look for the two persons, but were told they were not seen there. Thus, they reported the case to a local station on 2 May and have been asking for help from local agencies. Meanwhile, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) as admitted that the two persons have really disappeared, but has not disclosed any information to their aggrieved relatives. There is a concern that local investigation will lead to nowhere. Thus, the relatives have made the trip to Bangkok to officially request Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to take this as a special case and to look for the two missing persons.
Enforced disappearances are a grave human right violation. Intense efforts to track down the missing in early days of the missing are very important for locating their whereabouts. Nevertheless, the investigation has to be carried out independently and in earnest, otherwise fair solutions shall not be obtained and justice shall not be restored for both the accused and the damaged parties. Meanwhile, the disappeared’s relatives and their neighbors have accumulated fear over local influences and are in need of witness protection program since
according to initial insight in this case, the disappearances could have linked to the seizure of the boats by the officials at the local Parachute Police Camp.
On 26 July 2011, the relatives shall submit a letter of petition to Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong,
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice at 10.30 am at the Government Center and a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Then, another petition shall be submitted to the DSI Director General at 11.30 am. On 27 July 2011, more petition letters shall be submitted to the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Commander of the Border Patrol Police.
Fore more information, please contact:
Ms. Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, Director of CrCF, phone 086-7093000
Ms. Bhavini Chumsri, Attorney of CrCF, phone 083-1896598
