---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: protest
From: "Henk Onstwedder"
Date: Mon, July 20, 2009 8:37 pm
To: itfthai@asiaaccess.net.th
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Dear Prime Minister Vejjajiva
I am writing on behalf of the International Transport Workers' Federation, which represents over five million union members in the transport industry worldwide, to express my very serious concern about the summons recently issued by Thai police against trade union leaders and PAD supporters. It appears the charges are made in relation to the non-violent airport occupations and closures that occurred last year.
I understand these charges include invasion and destruction of property, inciting unrest and additionally of terrorism - a charge that carries the death penalty. Such charges are grossly exaggerated. According to reliable reports, no physical damage was caused by the airport
occupations and the only violence was the throwing of a grenade - not by PAD supporters, but by supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra.
From the information I have received, police have acted against a number of trade union leaders and 30 leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on these charges. Many of the union leaders summonsed are from ITF affiliated-organisations. They are Bro. Somsak -Kosaisook (former president and present advisor of the State Railway Workers Union of Thailand), Bro Sawit Kaewwarn (President of the State Railway Workers Union of Thailand) Sis. Chamsri Sukchotirat (President of Thai Airways International Union) and Bro. Sirichai Mai-ngam (President of the Electricity Generating Authority State Enterprise Workers' Union).
The ITF fully supports the rights of its members to engage in legitimate and peaceful protest action and would strongly urge you to intervene to quash these shocking allegations and withdraw the charges made.
I am sure that you agree with me, Prime Minister Vejjajiva, not only that these charges are disproportionate in nature, but also that a priority of any government must be to foster positive industrial relations.
I would be very grateful to hear your comments on the matter
Yours sincerely
David Cockroft
Henk Onstwedder
FNV Bondgenoten
Netherlands
Subject: protest
From: "Henk Onstwedder"
Date: Mon, July 20, 2009 8:37 pm
To: itfthai@asiaaccess.net.th
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Prime Minister Vejjajiva
I am writing on behalf of the International Transport Workers' Federation, which represents over five million union members in the transport industry worldwide, to express my very serious concern about the summons recently issued by Thai police against trade union leaders and PAD supporters. It appears the charges are made in relation to the non-violent airport occupations and closures that occurred last year.
I understand these charges include invasion and destruction of property, inciting unrest and additionally of terrorism - a charge that carries the death penalty. Such charges are grossly exaggerated. According to reliable reports, no physical damage was caused by the airport
occupations and the only violence was the throwing of a grenade - not by PAD supporters, but by supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra.
From the information I have received, police have acted against a number of trade union leaders and 30 leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on these charges. Many of the union leaders summonsed are from ITF affiliated-organisations. They are Bro. Somsak -Kosaisook (former president and present advisor of the State Railway Workers Union of Thailand), Bro Sawit Kaewwarn (President of the State Railway Workers Union of Thailand) Sis. Chamsri Sukchotirat (President of Thai Airways International Union) and Bro. Sirichai Mai-ngam (President of the Electricity Generating Authority State Enterprise Workers' Union).
The ITF fully supports the rights of its members to engage in legitimate and peaceful protest action and would strongly urge you to intervene to quash these shocking allegations and withdraw the charges made.
I am sure that you agree with me, Prime Minister Vejjajiva, not only that these charges are disproportionate in nature, but also that a priority of any government must be to foster positive industrial relations.
I would be very grateful to hear your comments on the matter
Yours sincerely
David Cockroft
Henk Onstwedder
FNV Bondgenoten
Netherlands
