Promoting Democracy in Thailand

For decades, Thailand’s youth have been at the forefront of protests against military and traditional authorities. Demands have often centered on democratic reforms, such as during the student-led 14 October Uprising in 1973. More recently, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in 2020 and 2021 to oppose the military-backed government and the dissolution of a progressive opposition party. The youth’s efforts have made crucial contributions, for example towards the recent legalization of same-sex marriage. However, intense state repression continues to crack down on dissent and street protests. As a result, activists often turn to less openly confrontational means to promote democracy in Thailand.

Sam Yan Press (SYP) is an independent publishing house established by a handful of politically-minded university students. The press aims to empower democracy activists and strengthen civil society by making progressive ideas more accessible in Thai. In recent years, SYP has published more than 50 books on topics such as social justice, feminism and grassroots organizing. Translated works include commentaries on Marx, writings by Hannah Arendt and perspectives of fellow activists from across Southeast Asia. Moreover, the translations are done in close cooperation with interested students and lecturers, creating a space for political debate and engagement.

Since 2024, the RLS Hanoi Office has been working together with SYP on a Thai translation of “Red Rosa: A Graphic Biography of Rosa Luxemburg”. The book was originally published in 2015 by Kate Evans with the support of the RLS New York Office (read the full story here). Its reception was a huge success, winning several awards and being translated into 16 languages. SYP seeks to highlight the enduring relevance of Rosa Luxemburg’s perseverance and unwavering internationalism. The beautiful illustrations and dramatic retelling of her remarkable life have also caught the attention of other youth activists in Thailand. A launch event attracted audiences in Bangkok and online. It kicked off the book's anticipated distribution and featured talks by Assoc. Prof. Waritta Srirattana, prominent labor organizer Pachanee Kamnak, and activist Jirapriya Saeboo.