June 10, 2010

Following the recent political upheaval in Thailand, Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, a well-known and respected human and labour rights advocate, was arrested. Somyot is founder of the Centre for Labour and International Solidarity Thailand (CLIST) and a long-time contact of MSN.

Somyot is a former project coordinator for ICEM (International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions) in Thailand. The Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) is joining ICEM and the European Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) in urging partners and supporters around the world to write to the Thai prime minister and to Thai embassies in their countries calling for his immediate release. Labour rights organizations worldwide are seriously concerned about his health and his safety.

Please take two minutes to send a letter through the CCC website.

Somyot was arrested together with Associate Professor Suthachai Yimprasert, when they presented themselves to the police after having heard of their arrest warrants. Suthachai was released following petitions by students and the faculty. Although they had been following events closely in their capacity as journalists and academics, neither of them are members of the core Red Shirt grouping.

Somyot is reportedly being held at Adisorn Army Base in Saraburi, 115 km North of Bangkok. No charges have been laid against him. Nor has he been brought before a judge since his detention. Reports indicate that Somyot is being held in solitary confinement.

Please contact the Thai authorities today asking for the immediate release of Somyot Pruksakasemsuk.