1. Summary
letter by CAD on May 15
Dear Sir/ Madam,
We would like to congratulate on the success of Gwangju’s
art and cultural festival in commemorate and honor the annual anniversary of
May 18 Uprising. As we realize that citizen of Gwangju has fought for democracy
and continue to share its memories with international movements for democracy.
We have learned that the cost of democracy is at the expense of ordinary
people. And this lessen should be learned.
We, Thai Cultural activist for Democracy, would like to
express our concern on the selection of Sutee Kunavichyanont’s work in the
exhibition ‘The Truth to Turn It Over’ at Gwangju Museum of Art curated by Jong
Young Lim. We request that the selection process and reason to be shown to the public.
It should be noted that we respect the artist’s freedom of expression. However,
at the same time we would appreciate your response how such an
anti-democracy artist has been selected as a part of the commemoration of
Gwangju democratic uprising.
We would like to convey our concern as shown in our open
letter to the curator and board of the Gwangju Museum of Art. We hope that our
request would be reviewed.
In solidarity,
Cultural Activist for Democracy (CAD)
coordinators
Pandit Chanrochanakit:
Yukti Mukdawijitra:
Thanavi Chotpradit:
Thanom Chapakdee:
Thasnai Setthaseri:
2. Open Letter signed by 118 Thai Cultural Activists
for Democracy (or CAD) / May 15
With regard to a Thai artist Sutee Kunavichyanont’s
participation in exhibition ‘The Truth to Turn It Over’ at Gwangju Museum of
Art, we would like to express our concern regarding to Sutee’s artistic
practice, political standpoint and the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Uprising.
It is clear that Sutee aligns with the People’s Democratic
Reform Committee (PDRC) that has contributed to political crisis and the May
22, 2014 Coup. The PDRC is a movement intending to uproot Yingluck Shinawatra
government by closing down streets of Bangkok, governmental offices, including
blocking people to vote on the 2014 general election. The PDRC condemned that
majority of Thai voters in provincial areas are poor and uneducated that could
be bought by politicians. They also believe that the 2014 general election
could only uphold the power of Yingluck government. At the same time,
denying to negotiate with government representatives, the PDRC demanded an
unelected government appointed by the King, which is unconstitutional. In many
ways, their actions led to military intervention. As a result, Thailand has
lost its democratic regime since.
The PDRC looks over the fact that Suthep Thueksuban, a
leader of PDRC, was formerly Deputy Prime Minister to Abhisit Vejjajiva
Government, who deployed the army to disperse the United Front for Democracy
against Dictatorship (UDD) protest camp in the heart of Bangkok during April
10-May 19, 2010. As a result, more than 100 died and almost 2,000 injured. Thai
court rules that it is relevant that Thai army officials fired at civilians.
While many UDD protesters are jailed and sentenced for violations of law,
Suthep and his cabinet members are free, leaving the fact that not only the UDD
protesters are killed and jailed but also ordinary people who has nothing to do
with political motivation.
Some scholars refer to the April 10 –May 19 Crackdown as
similar to Chun Doo Hwan’s suppression of Gwangju Uprising. Even worst,
many Abhisit government supporters believe that the UDD protesters deserve such
violent suppression.
After the crackdown, Abhisit government dissolved the
Parliament and called for a general election. Yingluck Shinawatra from Pheuthai
Party (with support by UDD members) was elected and became the Prime Minister
while Suthep became opposition party. Yingluck government tried to find a
solution for national reconciliation by drafting amnesty law. Her government
failed to pass the controversial amnesty law and caused the anger from many
camps including PDRC fraction. Thailand has been in the stagnation of
democratization since.
During PDRC’s Shut Down Bangkok campaign, Sutee and his
artist friends organized Art Lane that raised fund for PDRC movement. Rather
than promoting democracy and civilian rule, his project at GMA recites his
contribution to the recession of Thai democracy such as posters using stencil
techniques, T-shirts for PDRC supporters, and so on. The PDRC artists took over
streets of Bangkok to block the February 2, 2014 general election, which sparks
an opportunity for the military to seize the power from civilian government.
Thailand, once a country with bright future for democracy in this region, has
been fully controlled by aristocrats and military rule since May 22, 2014.
As Thai junta government has been heavily criticized by
international community during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) human rights
situation in Thailand on May 12, 2016, its practices of human rights violation
is continuing. However, PDRC artists continue supporting the Art Lane to raise
fund for PDRC’s college. Sutee’s exhibition not only insulting Thailand’s
democratic movements and the history of democratization but also the spirit of
May 18 Gwangju Uprising.
We would like to question Jong Young Lim, the curator, and
board of GMA on their selection process and the reason that lead to invitation
of Sutee to participate in this exhibition. We believe that the freedom
of expression is important for the artist, but we want to express our concern
that Sutee’s exhibition emerged from the fact that reversal to the spirit of
Gwangju Uprising. In this regards, we would like to hear your explanation in
respond to the people of Thailand and Gwangju.
In Solidarity.
3. Follow-up requests by CAD on May 20
1) In order to understand the context of Sutee’s work, we
would like the GMA to show our open letter to the audience alongside Sutee’s
art work. We maintain that we respect the work and the artist’s freedom of
expression. However, regarding the fact of Sutee’s participation with Art Lane
as a part of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), which contributed
to the fall of democracy in Thailand, the GMA should provide more information
on the broader context, especially from different voices and perspectives.
2) We would like to explain the background on how
anti-democracy artists, including Sutee, and their participation in the Art
Lane and the PDRC movement contributed to violence and the destruction of
democracy in Thailand. The fact that the Yingluck Shinawatra Government drafted
a blanket amnesty bill in November 2013 drew anger from various factions both
in the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD, the mass
organization that supports Yingluck) and the PDRC movements, as well as
non-partisan academics, cultural activists, and so on. People started gathering
on the streets and fomenting anti-government rallies. Then Yingluck government
dissolved parliament on December 10, 2013 and called for a general election on
February 2, 2014. In other words, the Yingluck government listened and took
corrective action in a democratic and peaceful manner. This is a very critical
issue that Sutee and his supporters have never mentioned in their open letters.
It is the PDRC and their supporters that refused to
participate in the 2014 general election. The PDRC and its supporters called
for an unelected and royally-appointed government, which is
unconstitutional. Instead, they continued to block the streets of
Bangkok, closed down government offices, and blocked people from voting by all
means possible. As a result, the PDRC generated street violence in many sites
across Bangkok. The term ‘Shut Down Bangkok’ benefitted the PDRC more than the
ordinary people since this was one of their strategies to push the Yingluck
government to the edge of democracy. As many scholars point out, the PDRC was
(and still is) a network of elites that acted in concert and orchestrated a
crisis until it paved a way for military intervention. We can provide you with
a significant number of references on this issue in English to enhance the
understanding of the public if requested.
One of the most significant of these instances of street
violence was the Ramkhamhaeng Incident (a clash close to Ramkhamhaeng
University, an open university in Bangkok) in November 2013. The incident
started from a gathering of the UDD and its supporters at Rajamangkala Stadium,
which was far away from the PDRC protest sites and close to the university.
However, the PDRC supporters claimed that the UDD supporters insulted the
emblem of Ramkhamhaeng University, the revered King Ramkhamhaeng, and condemned
them. The PDRC argued that this constituted lèse majesté (violation of Article
112 of the Thai Criminal Code and a grave crime with a severe prison sentence)
and called PDRC members to storm into the UDD protest site in Rajamangkala
Stadium. As a result, at least three UDD supporters, one unidentified person,
and one PDRC supporter were killed. More than 68 persons were injured.
The Ramkhamhaeng Incident stands as the very beginning of
the second round of violence since April – May 2010 Crackdown. From November
2013 to May 15, 2014 the number of deaths grew to 25, including 8 police
officers, and more than 782 injured. Most of the violence was fomented by
hardline PDRC members.
3) We demand that the curator and board of the GMA publicly
acknowledge their misunderstanding of the subtlety of the current crisis in
Thailand as they have overlooked the facts mentioned above. This should be
published as a letter in Korean, Thai, and English.
4) We demand that our correspondence including Sutee and his
supporters to be published and archived by GMA for the sake of future
compilation on the history of people’s struggle for democratization. The future
generations will be the judges of our present actions.
In Solidarity
Cultural Activist for Democracy (CAD) – Updated May 20
1.
Abhichon
Rattanabhayon Media studio
2.
Akara
Pacchakkhaphati Film maker
3.
Angkrit
Ajchariyasophon Artist/ gallerist
4.
Anocha
Suwichakornpong Film maker
5.
Anurak Tanyapalit
Freelance (New)
6.
Anusorn Tipayanon
Writer
7.
Apichatpong
Weerasethakul Film maker (New)
8.
Aranya Siriphon
Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University
9.
Ariya Pacharawan
Graphic designer (New)
10.
Ariya
Theprangsimankul Theatre facilitator (New)
11.
Arjin Thongyuukong
Thammasat University (New)
12.
ArjinJonathan
Arjinkit Artist/ lecturer, Rajanagarindra Rajabhat
University (New)
13.
Arnont Nongyao
Artist (New)
14.
Arthit Mulsarn
Freelance (New)
15.
Arthit
Suriyawongkul Activist (New)
16.
Artit Srijan
Lecturer, Phranakorn Rajabhat University
17.
Asira Panaram
Content Editor (New)
18.
Athapol
Anunthavorasakul Lecturer, Chulalongkorn University
19.
Atikom
Mukdaprakorn Artist/ cultural activist
20.
Attaphol
Sudawannasuk Artist (New)
21.
Ben Busarakamwong
Cultural activist
22.
Benjamas Boonyarit
Student, activist (New)
23.
Benjamas
Winitchakul Architect (New)
24.
Bordin Theparat
Film critic (New)
25.
Cattleya
Paosrijaroen Film maker
26.
Chai Siris Film
maker
27.
Chaiwat Wiansantia
Artist (New)
28.
Chaiyan Rajchagool
Scholar in residence, Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, University of
Phayao (New)
29.
Chakkrit Chimnok
Artist
30.
Chaloemkiat
Saeyong Film maker (New)
31.
Chanan Yodhong PhD
Candidate, Thammasat University (New)
32.
Chanin sriyoyod
Lecturer, Arts and design, Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University (New)
33.
Chayanin
Tiangpitayagorn Film critic (New)
34.
Chettapat
Kueankaeo Theater director
35.
Chiranuch
Premchaiporn Journalist, director of Prachatai
36.
Chontida Auikool
Thammasat University
37.
Chotchuang Meepom
Lecture (New)
38.
Chulayarnnon
Siriphol Artist/ film maker (New)
39.
Chuwat Rerksirisuk
Editor in Chief of Prachatai
40.
Chuveath
Dethdittharak Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University (New)
41.
Danaya
Chulphuthiphong Photographer/ film maker
42.
Ded Chongmankong
Photographer
43.
Dollapak
Suwanpanya Activist (New)
44.
Dontree
Siribunjongsak Musician
45.
Duangrit Bunnag
Architect (New)
46.
Duangrurthai
Asanachatang Editor
47.
Ekanop Suwannakosum
Graphic designer/ lecturer, Chiang Mai University
48.
Ekkalak Nabthuesuk
Lecturer (New)
49.
Farida Jiraphan
Performance artist
50.
Foyfon Chaimongkol
PhD Candidate, Burapha University (New)
51.
Gandhi
Wasuvitchayagit Writer
52.
Ina Phuyuthanon
Lecturer, Faculty of Fine arts, Srinakharinwiriot university (New)
53.
Inthira
Vittayasomboon Cultural activist
54.
Janit Feangfu
Lecturer, Chiang Mai University
55.
Jarunun Phantachat
Theatre director (New)
56.
Jirasak Monkiatkul
Interior designer
57.
Jirat Prasertsup
Cultural activist
58.
Jirat
Ratthawongjirakul Gallerist (New)
59.
Judha Suwanmongkol
Independent art writer/ researcher (New)
60.
Kahat Sujipisut
Artist
61.
Kasem Phenpinant
Department of Philosophy,Chulalongkorn University
62.
Kampanart Sangsorn
Illustrator (New)
63.
Kampol Champapan
Historian (New)
62.
Kanteera
Sanguantung (New)
63.
Karnt Thassanaphak
Poet / documentary photographer (New)
64.
Kasem Phenpinant
Lecturer, Department of Philosophy, Chulalongkorn University
65.
Kasiti Sangkul
Film director (New)
66.
Kavintron
Sangsakron Performance artist
67.
Keawalee
Warutkomain Art director
68.
Kengkij
Kitirianglarp Lecturer, Chiang Mai University (New)
69.
Kessarin Tiawsakul
(New)
70.
Kittima
Chareeprasit Curator
71.
Komluck Chaiya
Lecturer,Phranakhorn Si Ayutthaya, Rajabhat University
72.
Komtham
Domrongchareon Lecturer, Silpakorn University
73.
Kongkrit
Traiyawong Lecturer, Walailak University
74.
Korada
Srithongkird (New)
75.
Kornkrit
Jianpinidnan Artist (New)
76.
Kornrapin
Mesiyahdol Lecturer, Chiang Mai University (New)
77.
Kriangkrai
Patomnetikul Graphic designer
78.
Krit Lualamai
Writer
79.
Krittawit
Rimthepartip Writer (New)
80.
Ladapha
Sophonkunkit Performance artist
81.
Ladda Kongdach
Performance artist
82.
Lakkana Punwichai
Writer
83.
Latthapon
Korkiatarkul Artist
84.
Lyla Phimanrat
Gallerist
85.
Makha Sanewong Na
Ayutthaya Artist (New)
86.
Mit Jai Inn Artist
87.
Miti Ruangkritya
Artist
88.
Mo Jirachaisakul
Artist
89.
Montri Toemsombat
Artist
90.
Nakin Poonsri
Gardener (New)
91.
Namfon Udomlertlak
Film maker
92.
Narawan Pathomvat
Researcher (New)
93.
Nataya U-Kong
Lecturer, Silpakorn University
94.
Nawapooh Sae-tang
Critic
95.
Nithinand
Yorsaengrat Journalist
96.
Nok Paksanavin
Writer (New)
97.
Nontawat
Numbenchapol Film maker
98.
Nopawat Likitwong
Sound artist/ sound engineer
99.
Noraset Vaisayakul
Artist
100. Nut Sawasdee Artist (New)
101. O Techadilok Graphic designer
102. Orapakk Ruttphatai PhD Candidate, Social Science,
Chiang Mai University (New)
103. Orawan Arunrak Artist
104. Ornanong Thaisriwong Performance artist (New)
105. Pakavadi Veerapasapong Translator, writer
106. Pandit Chanrochanakit Lecturer, Faculty of Political
Science, Ramkhamhaeng University
107. Panithita Kiatsupimon Graphic designer (New)
108. Panu Boonpipattanapong Writer
109. Panu Trivej Lecturer, Kasetsart University (New)
110. Paphonsak La-or Artist
111. Parinot Kunakornwong Artist
112. Pasakorn Intoo-Marn Performance artist/ lecturer,
Mahidol University
113. Patara Padungsuntararuk Thaksin University, Songkhla (New)
114. Pathompon Tesprateep Artist (New)
115. Pattaranan Takkanon Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture,
Kasetsart University (New)
116. Pavinee Samakkabutr Performance artist
117. Pawaluk Suraswadi Performance artist
118. Pawin Ramingwong Artist/ lecturer, Phayao University
119. Penwadee Nophaket Manont Indendent curator/ cultural
worker (New)
120. Phonchai Iamnuy Graphic designer (New)
122. Phu Kra-dart Writer (New)
123. Pichaiwat Saengprapan Artist/ lecturer, Srinakarinwirot
University
124. Pimsiri Petchnamrob Activist
125. Pinkaew Laungaramsri, Lecturer, Faculty of Social
Sciences, Chiang Mai University (New)
126. Pisit Darnwirunhawanit Freelance (New)
127. Pisitakun Kuantalaeng Artist
128. Pitch Pongsawat Lecturer, Faculty of Political Science,
Chulalongkorn University
129. Piyarat Piyapongwiwat Artist
130. Pongjit Saphakhun Performance artist
131. Potjawan Panjinda Gallerist
132. Prach Panchakunathorn PhD candidate, Department of Philosophy,
University of Toronto (New)
133. Prakiat Khunpol Poet/ writer (New)
134. Prapat Jiwanrangsan Artist
135. Pratompong Namjaidee Artist (New)
136. Puangthong Pawakapan Faculty of Political Science
Faculty, Chulalongkorn University
137. Ratapong Pinyosophon Playwright (New)
138. Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke Film maker (New)
139. Rattanai Bampenyou Music teacher/ historian (New)
140. Rittipong Mahapetch Activist (New)
141. Rodjaraeg Wattanapanit Cultural activist
142. Ruangsak Anuwatwimon Artist
143. Sakkarin suttisarn/Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of
Finearts, Chiangmai University (New)
144. Santiphap inkong-ngam Film maker/ lecturer, Chiang Mai
University (New)
145. Saran Samantarat Lecturer, Department of Landscape,
Faculty of Architecture Kasetsart University (New)
146. Sathit Sattarasart Artist (New)
147. Sawit Prasertphan Artist/ lecturer, Chiang Mai
University
148. Sina Wittayawiroj Artist
149. Sirawish Boonsri Art Teacher (New)
150. Sirichoke Lertyaso Photographer/ writer (New)
151. Siripoj Laomanacharoen Writer
152. Somchai Saejiu Creative director (New)
153. Sompoch Aung Artist
155. Sompong Leerasiri Artist (New)
155. Sompong Leerasiri Artist (New)
156. Songkran Somchandra Lecturer, Chiangmai Rajabhat
University (New)
157. Sorayut Aiemueayut Lecturer, Chiang Mai
University
158. Suchada Suwannasorn Film producer (New)
159. Suchart Swasdsri Writer
160. Sukanya Seskhuntod Cultural activist
161. Supachai Areerungruang Lecturer, Faculty of Fine Arts,
Srinakharinwirot University (New)
162. Sutthirat Supaparinya Artist
163. Tada Hengsapkul Artist
164. Takerng Pattanopas Artist (New)
165. Tanaphon Inthong Artist (New)
166. Tanate Makkasakul Designer (New)
167. Tanyanun Aoiaree Graphic designer
168. Techit
Jiropaskosol Designer/ lecturer (New)
169. Teeramon Buangam (New)
170. Teerapon Anmai Lecturer/ writer (New)
171. Teerapong Suthiwarapirak Writer
172. Teerawat Mulvilai Performance artist
173. Tepwuit Buatoom Artist (New)
174. Thanapas Dejpawuttikul Doctoral Researcher, Graduate
Schoo of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University (New)
175. Thanapol Virulhakul Choreographer (New)
176. Thanavi Chotpradit Lecturer, Silpakorn University
177. Thanet Awsinsiri Artist/ lecturer (New)
178. Thanom Chapakdee Lecturer, Faculty of Fine Arts,
Srinakharinwirot University (New)
179. Tharit Tothong Critic
180. Thasnai Sethaseree Artist/ lecturer, Chiang Mai
University
181. Thatchatham Silsupan Composer/ lecturer, Chiang Mai
University
182. Thawiphat Praengoen Artist/ cultural activist
183. Thida Plitpholkarnpim Film distributor/ Writer (New)
184. Thitibodee Rungteerawattananon Artist
185. Torwong Salwala Media Content Creator (New)
186. Tossapon Tassanakunlapan Lecturer, Faculty of Law,
Chiang Mai University (New)
187. Uthis Haemamool Writer
188. Uthit Attimana Artist/ lecturer, Chiang Mai University
189. Verita Sriratana Lecturer, Faculty of Arts,
Chulalongkorn University (New)
190. Vichapon Diloksambandh Performance artist
191. Viengrat Nethipo Faculty of Political Science Faculty,
Chulalongkorn University
192. Vipash Purichanont PhD candidate, Department of Visual
Cultures, Goldsmiths, University of London
193. Vorakorn Ruetaivanichkul Film maker
194. Wachara Kanha Film maker (New)
195. Warasinee Chansawang Gallerist
196. Wasu wanrayangkoon Performance artist (New)
197. Wattakorn Kawinkham Artist (New)
198. Weroon Wuthirithakul Cultural activist
199. Wichanon Somumjarn Film maker
200. Wichaya Artamat Theatre director (New)
201. Wirapa Angkoontassaniyarat Editor
202. Wiwat Lertwiwatwongsa Film critic
203. Worathep Akkabootara Independent curator/ writer (New)
204. Yingsiwat Yamolyong Film maker
205. Yingyod Yenarkarn Artist (New)
206. Yukti Mukdawijitra Lecturer, Faculty of Sociology and
Anthropology,Thammasat University
207. Yuthchack Damsuwan Creative director (New)
208. Yutthana Darakron Cultural activist
209. Yutthana Meesong Creative director (New)
