Interview of Founder of 112WATCH in 9DASHLINE
In a new interview with 9DASHLINE, 112Watch Founder and Kyoto University Professor Pavin Chachavalpongpun discusses how Thailand’s lèse-majesté law (Article 112) has evolved into a systematic tool of political repression targeting peaceful dissidents, young activists, and ordinary citizens alike.
August 21, 2026
Pavin details the transition of 112Watch from personal activism into an international coalition aimed at spotlighting state-sponsored harassment and autocratic legalism in Thailand. The interview covers the broader ecosystem of state control—including Section 116, the Computer Crimes Act, and cross-border transnational repression across Southeast Asia—while highlighting how major-power dynamics between the US and China limit international accountability. Ultimately, Pavin calls on global actors to link human rights guarantees to trade agreements and outlines a vision for structural reform, political amnesties, and the eventual repeal of Article 112.
Read the full interview here –
