Page 100 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Voice

Ms. Rosana Tositrakul, an elected Bangkok senator and human rights activist, shares her voice,
Ms. Rosana Tositrakul, age 55 based on her experiences in leading two corruption charges against the government. She
Bangkok senator and consumer rights activist
asserts that the Official Information Act (1997) was a crucial tool for the success of both cases.
She explains that in 1998, she led a coalition of 30 non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
“If everyone can advocating consumer rights in a case involving corruption linked to medical and
pharmaceutical procurement by the Ministry of Public Health. The coalition of NGOs submitted
access official the case to the Office of the National Counter-Corruption Commission, leading to the
information, conviction of the then Public Health Minister. In 2007, in collaboration with the Foundation for
Consumers, Ms. Tositrakul filed a case to the Administrative Court against the entire cabinet
I believe that there regarding the privatization of the then Petroleum Authority of Thailand.
will be less The Official Information Act (1997) is becoming an increasingly important channel through

corruption” which the Thai public can hold the government accountable, she believes.

“Corruption problems in Thailand relate to public access to official information. If most of the
information remains classified, everything is kept in the dark – beyond public scrutiny. The right
to access official information puts the spotlight on corruption cases. If everyone can access
official information, I believe that there will be less corruption cases because everyone can
participate in holding the government accountable,” she adds.

88 Dignity and Justice for All of Us