Arunee lost her son during the government crackdown of the pro-democracy demonstration dubbed as the May 1992 Event. She joined the Relatives Committee of the May 1992 Heroes and awaits any news of her son.
My missing son is Chaichan Chaiyabak. He was 33 years old when he disappeared during the May 1992 popular uprising in Bangkok against Gen. Suchinda Kraprayoon. I was 54 at that time. Now I’m 66. I have been waiting for his return for the past 12 years.
At that time, he was working in a shipping company. After work, he would join the demonstration. I found this attitude of him quite predictable for he always used to join street demonstrations ever since his university days.
One night, I went to the demonstration with my grandson to join him. He was quite surprised to see us and he immediately instructed us to go back home. He also told us that he would park his motorbike near the demonstration area and still stay for a little while. That was my last memory of him.
I waited anxiously for him, but he did not return that night. The next day, a neighbor of ours told me that there was heavy shooting in the protest site. We didn’t know where he was, so I began to become very worrisome.
It took me three (3) months before I was able to gather up the courage to go to the police. But when I went there, they told me they did not have any idea where Chaichan was.
Our family’s situation became worse after his disappearance for we were highly dependent on him for livelihood. Although I still have another daughter, she has her own family now.
I was so confused that I even failed to undergo therapy. Though the government has given us some assistance, it’s not enough to give us financial stability and independence.
If there was really someone who helped us all the way, it was the Relatives Committee of the May 1992 Heroes. Through its programs, it was able to assist us in expressing our emotions and in demanding justice and assistance from the government. Somehow, the Relatives Committee has strengthened my courage and has given me back my confidence.
Through their activities, I came to realize that I am not alone. Every time I see victims from other countries, I feel that I can empathize with them because somehow, I know what they are going through.
If ever I am given the opportunity to personally meet Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, I will tell him to help us in our search for my son. My plea is quite simple. If he’s alive, show us his whereabouts; if he’s dead, show us his body.
