Past Events
The Fort Talks: Stay Silent or Face SLAPP
On February 22, 2024, The Fort discussed the use of SLAPP by businesses in Thailand, the impacts on those who face SLAPP, and potential solutions to address SLAPP.
The Fort Talks: Marriage Equality and Parenthood
On February 12, members of the Thai parliamentary committee tasked with scrutinizing the marriage equality bill came together with LGBTI+ parents and activists to discuss the current draft of the bill. Panelists also discussed what provisions are needed to ensure LGBTI+ parents and children have the same rights as other parents and children in Thailand.
The Fort Friday Talks: From Doi Boy To Parliament
On December 15, 2023, The Fort discussed the work and mission of Thai parliamentary committees tasked with exploring solutions related to people on the move and how they can engage civil society groups in protecting refugees.
The Fort Friday Talks: Finding Human Rights in Literature
On November 24, The Fort invited human rights defenders, bibliophiles, and writers—including Ramon Kamolnavin, an award-winning author whose fiction draws on political violence in Thailand among other social issues—to explore the connections between human rights and literature and how they can lead to societal change.
The Fort Friday Talks: What Should Parental Leave Policies in Thailand Look Like
On October 27, The Fort hosted a panel event on parental leave policies in Thailand, featuring women and labor rights activists as well as academics and politicians, some of whom are parents themselves. The event will include stories from workers, parents, and activists pushing for stronger parental leave benefits for workers
Protection of Sex Workers’ Rights and Access to Welfare
On October 7, 2023, The Fort hosted an in-person panel discussion organized by the Move Forward Party to discuss the Protection of Sex Workers’ Rights and Welfare.
"This Persecution is the Worst There is”
On September 22, 2023, The Fort hosted an online report launch and panel discussion organized by the Youth Congress Rohingya (YCR), a Rohingya refugee-led camp-based organization, for its first report: “’This Persecution Is the Worst There Is: Restrictions on Rohingya Freedom of Movement in Bangladesh.”
A Roundtable with Thai Transmasculine Candidates Competing in Thailand’s 2023 Election
On May 6, The Fort will hosted a Thai-language roundtable with four Thai transmasculine political candidates to discuss gender inclusion and diversity in Thai politics. This event seeks to provide space for transmasculine candidates to discuss challenges facing trans-political leaders and policies and recommendations to advance transgender and broader LGBTI+ rights in Thailand.
Thai Political Party Roundtable: Policy Surrounding Refugees and Migrant Workers
On April 6, The Fort hosted a Thai-language roundtable discussion on Thailand’s treatment of refugees and migrant workers with representatives from many of the main political parties standing for election this year. Candidates and party representatives shared views and respond to questions on this important topic.
WASTE: Improve Management With Greater Citizen Engagement
On February 24, 2023, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and friends hosted an event to discuss improving waste management though community engagement at The Fort. The event included an opening address from the Canadian Charge d'Affaires to Thailand, a screening of the documentary "Dream of a Green City" directed by Changing Climate, Changing Lives (CCCL), and a series of speakers.
Waves of Upheaval in Myanmar: Gendered Transformations and Political Transitions
On February 17 2023, The Fort hosted the launch of the new book, Waves of Upheaval in Myanmar: Gender Transformations and Political Transitions, a volume edited by Jenny Hedström and Elisabeth Olivius and including the work of feminist scholars from Myanmar and beyond. The 290-page book is published by Nias Press and will be distributed by Silkworm Books in Southeast Asia and Hawaii University Press in North America. The book offers a deeper understanding of the current political situation in Myanmar and Southeast Asia and of the ways in which the country's political landscape might continue to be reshaped. It is the first-ever edited volume of feminist voices in Myanmar.
Wellness for Journalists Workshop
On December 11, 2022, The Fort hosted a closed-door one-day mental wellness workshop organized Thai Media for Democracy Alliance (DemAll) for a group of 15 journalists and human rights defenders. The workshop focused on trauma recovery and mental health awareness facilitated by Baan Fuen, a group of therapists trained in art therapy, therapeutic stretching and active listening exercises. The participants included representatives from various Thai media outlets, including Thai PBS, Radio Free Asia, WorkpointTODAY and others.
"First They Targeted Our Culture and Language"
At this online event hosted by The Fort on November 16, 2022, the Rohingya Language Preservation Project—a Rohingya-led and directed initiative—launched a new report, “First They Targeted Our Culture and Language": Threats to Rohingya Language, Culture, and Identity in Myanmar and Bangladesh. The report includes quantitative data on Rohingya people losing their language and culture in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Art, Hope, Human Rights in Myanmar: Book Launch and Photo Exhibition
On October 4, 2022, The Fort hosted a Fortify Rights event “Art, Hope, Human Rights in Myanmar: Book Launch and Photo Exhibition,” celebrating the work of Rohingya photographers Omal Khair, Dil Kayas, and Azimul Hasson. The event highlighted the role of art and hope in Myanmar’s human rights crisis with a panel discussion by Myanmar and Singaporean human rights defenders and a special discussion with the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews.
OHCHR Workshop
On June 30, 2022, The Fort hosted a closed-door training organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office in Thailand. The training focused on how to engage U.N. special procedures on human rights concerns.
World Refugee Day
On June 19, 2022, The Fort hosted its first public event to celebrate World Refugee Day through an evening of activities organized by the Coalition for the Rights of Refugees and Stateless Persons (CRSP).