Sulak Sivaraksa
A Thai social activist and founder of the People's Science Movement who challenged military regimes and promoted grassroots education
Sulak Sivaraksa (1933-2021) was a transformative figure in Thai social movements, becoming one of Asia's most influential human rights advocates. Born into a wealthy family, he renounced his inheritance to dedicate his life to empowering rural communities. His work laid the foundation for Thailand's modern civil society through innovative education programs and anti-censorship campaigns.
Key contributions include:
- Founding the People's Science Movement in 1973 to provide accessible education
- Establishing the Social Science Association to counter government propaganda
- Leading the Network of Thai NGOs (ThaiNgo) from 1987
His 1976 publication "The People's Science: A New Concept" became a manifesto for participatory learning. During the 1992 pro-democracy protests, he mediated between demonstrators and the military government. His work influenced the 1997 Thai Constitution's human rights provisions.
Sulak's global impact includes:
- Founding the Transnational Institute in 1972
- Establishing the Institute for Social Studies and Development
- Receiving the 1992 Right Livelihood Award
His writings like "The Thai Way of Life" and "Moral Economy" remain required reading in Southeast Asian studies. Despite over 40 arrests and exile periods, he continued advocating for democratization until his death. The 2010 documentary "Sulak: The Man Who Fought for Democracy" chronicles his life's work.