Former National Park Chief Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn acquitted of murder but sentenced to three years in prison for dereliction of duty regarding the disappearance of the Karen rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen. The case drew significant attention from human rights groups and Billy’s wife plans to appeal the ruling to verify his disappearance.
“Verdict in the trial of four national park officials, including the former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, accused of the enforced disappearance and murder of indigenous rights activist Porlajee ‘Billy’ Rakchongcharoen is expected this Thursday a significant case for the rights of indigenous communities in Thailand. This final judgement will have a profound impact on the accountability of the officials and the future of justice in Thailand. humanrights indigenousrights justiceforbilly thailand kaengkrachannationalpark”
Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei was arrested in Laos while attempting to reach Thailand. Activists and family members fear that if deported back to China, Lu will face imprisonment. ## Lu Siwei’s Journey