Some, including the Thai ambassador to South Korea, do not believe the award should be given to him. According to the online news agency Prachatai, the Gwangju award recognises individuals or organisations which have made great contributions to the struggle for human rights, democracy and peace in their own countries in Asia. The public's apathy towards the plight faced by Pai reflects the bigger picture that human rights has always been an issue discussed superficially among Thais. His remarks drew puzzlement from many who questioned whether he was drawing a geographic boundary for human rights and inserting a sense of nationalism into it, and whether he supported these universal principles. Pai was denied his right to bail and so he could not be there at the event to pick up the award.

Source: Bangkok Post May 17, 2017 21:45 UTC