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“When there is no choice, people must rise up. Even though
mobilizing peoples’ power in this kind of situation is risky, we
have to do it because we have no option. If we don’t do it,
people will lose their rights. We are willing to do whatever it
takes to prevent further violations of people’s rights.”

Nattapond Ardharn,
Community, Civil, and Political Rights Defenders

“Nattapond Archharn” or “Bee” graduated her bachelor degree
from the Faculty of Agriculture in Kasetsart University and master degree
from the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication in Thamma-
sat University. Bee decided to leave her job in the media field to join
the villagers in protecting the community rights after she found out
that E-san people are affected by the violations of rights from major
government policy and large projects of private organizations.
In 2014, Nattapond took an important role with her friends
in helping the villagers from Dong Moon Conservation Group during
their struggle against petroleum drilling in Tha Khantho District,
Kalasin Province that many have an impact on the community. She
also supported the villagers’ struggle against oil and gas exploration
by a private company in Namoon Doonsad village, Kranuan District,
Khon Kaen Province.
It is more difficult for the villagers to make any moves after the
coup in 2014. When the villagers try to defend their economic, social,
and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, government

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