Den Khamlae

Den campaigned for land rights for poor residents of Chaiyaphum province in northeastern Thailand.^[5] He was the head of the Kok Yao community.^[6]

In 2011, Den was charged with encroachment and imprisoned.^[1] He was released on bail in 2013.^[1]

On 10 March 2016, a court writ was circulated by military and forest officials ordering residents in Kok Yao to vacate their homes with 8 days, as the properties were claimed to encroach on the Phu Sum Puk Nam Sanctuary.^[4] Den led a group of affected residents to seek help from the government to overturn the court order.^[1]

On 16 April 2016, Den disappeared after entering the Khok Yao Forest to collect bamboo shoots and mushrooms.^[1] On 1 August 2016, a loincloth was found that belonged to Den.^[4] Human remains were later found that were believed to be Den's, according to a Central Institute of Forensic Science investigation.^[7][8]