All 14 defendants and suspects in the Tak Bai massacre cases have fled Thailand, according to reports submitted to the Senate committee on public participation, human rights, and consumer protection. As the cases near their statute of limitations deadline on October 25, 2024, police updates confirmed the suspects’ escape, adding to growing concerns about justice and accountability.
Among the high-profile defendants is General Pisarn Wattanawongkiri, a former commander of the Fourth Army Region and former party-list MP, who is believed to have fled to Tokyo. Another suspect has reportedly traveled to London, while the remaining 12 are thought to have crossed into neighboring countries, including Laos, through unofficial routes.
The Tak Bai massacre, which occurred in 2004, remains a contentious issue in Thailand, as human rights advocates and victims’ families have long sought justice. The apparent flight of the defendants just before the cases expire highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing human rights abuses.
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a leading human rights advocate and chair of the Senate committee, has expressed disappointment over the development, seeing it as a significant blow to the pursuit of justice for the victims.
