A Burmese witness who gave a testimony to a Thai court about his alleged experience working at a Thai pineapple processing facility has reportedly been threatened in the wake of a recent decision to dismiss the case.

Andy Hall

The witness testified before the Prakanong Court in Bangkok on Sept. 10 as part of the Natural Fruit Company v. Andy Hall trial; one of four cases against a British migrant worker defender arising from statements made about the group's human rights record.

In an email, Hall said the worker formally reported to Thai police on Nov. 1, alleging he had been subject to threats and tracking over several days.

"This developing situation has led this witness and his family to fear for their personal security and well-being and has significantly disrupted their lives," Hall said.

"This worker and his family had previously been re-located securely some distance out of the Natural Fruit Company Ltd area as preparation for becoming a case witness.

Hall publicly released the worker's testimony but emphasized it was to ensure his protection - described as "one of my defence witnesses and a brave migrant worker" - and not in any way to impact negatively on or damage Natural Fruit's reputation.

"Myself and colleagues will now be formally petitioning the Ministry of Justice and related authorities under the Thai government responsible for ensuring witness protection and promoting the rights of migrant workers/anti-trafficking measures."

He said if the Thai government were not able to provide adequate protection to people like the witness concerned, a serious question about the country's willingness and ability to promote and protect the rights of migrant workers would surely arise.

Readers can visit our Andy Hall tag page for background and ongoing updates on the issue.

www.freshfruitportal.com