BANGKOK — A group of young trade union activists in Thailand has issued a statement exposing what it describes as recurring problems of abuse of power, violence and sexual harassment within the labor movement, linking them to a centralized seniority-based system.

The group also announced four positions in support of survivors following allegations that a well-known veteran political activist and labor leader had sexually harassed people in the activist and labor movements.

On August 21, 2026, the Workers' Union Facebook page published a statement from young union activists involved in campaigns for labor rights and democracy. The group said the problems they face are not isolated incidents but part of a recurring pattern across the broader labor movement.

According to the statement, senior figures, influential individuals and people with long-established political status or networks have used their positions to exert pressure on younger people who have recently joined the movement. The alleged behavior includes dominating decision-making, verbal and physical violence, as well as sexual harassment and abuse.

The group said many labor organizations continue to operate under a centralized seniority system that places greater value on past activism and contributions than on the safety and dignity of newer members.

As a result, the voices of younger members, particularly women and LGBTQ+ people, are increasingly marginalized, the statement said.

The group argued that abuse of power extends beyond strategic decision-making to personal relationships and behavioral control, including degrading language, physical violence and sexual harassment.

The statement also said that when survivors find the courage to speak out, they often face questioning and accusations of damaging the movement rather than receiving support. Meanwhile, alleged perpetrators may continue to receive protection in the name of broader political or organizational goals.

The activists said they reject such a culture.

Four positions

The young union activists outlined four positions.

First, they reject the use of seniority, status or reputation within the movement as justification for abuse of power, violence or sexual misconduct, regardless of an individual's past contributions.

Second, they reject a culture that protects prominent figures at the expense of silencing survivors.

Third, they reject a seniority-based system that forces younger activists to risk their physical and mental safety in exchange for a place or opportunities within the movement.

Fourth, they reject the assumption that being an activist or a democracy advocate automatically means that a person understands consent or respects other people's bodily rights.

The statement concluded with a message to survivors:

“We believe you. What happened was not your fault.”

The group said speaking out should be regarded as an act of courage rather than an attempt to damage the movement, arguing that confronting such problems is a first step toward making the labor movement safer for everyone who joins in the future.

The activists said they would not allow a history of abuse of power, violence and sexual harassment to be repeated within the movement.