On May 22, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Center announced that Arnon Nampa, currently imprisoned in Bangkok Remand Prison under Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code (lèse-majesté), has been honored with the 2025 Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk.
Arnon, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist, is the first Thai recipient of this prestigious award. The award recognizes individuals who, despite personal risks, work to uphold human rights. This year’s recipients also include defenders from Benin, Uzbekistan, the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and Western Sahara.
Due to his imprisonment—now exceeding 605 days—Arnon was unable to attend the award ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland. Pathomphon Kaewnu, his family representative, accepted the award on his behalf and read a letter penned by Arnon. In the letter, he expressed profound gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting against social injustice and for freedom and equality in Thailand.
Arnon described his struggle as a continuation of the fight against the "old society" that maintains power through outdated hierarchies and repression. He emphasized that the 2020 youth-led protest movement “Ratsadon 2563” marked a significant step toward awakening public consciousness and challenging unjust systems.
The Front Line Defenders Award, established in 2005, now annually honors five human rights defenders from different continents. Recipients receive financial support and assistance in physical and digital security, communications, and mental well-being.