Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal is a Thai democracy activist, publisher, writer, and conscientious objector working at the intersection of freedom of expression, human rights, education, and social justice. He is the founder and managing director of Sam Yan Press, an independent publishing house that translates and publishes works on democracy, philosophy, social movements, minority rights, and critical thought. Under his leadership, Sam Yan Press has published more than 100 titles and was shortlisted for the 2026 IPA Prix Voltaire.
Netiwit has organized numerous campaigns promoting student rights, academic freedom, democratic participation, labour rights, and the protection of cultural heritage. He is also a co-founder of initiatives supporting young conscientious objectors in Thailand and has advocated publicly for the recognition of the right to refuse compulsory military service on grounds of conscience, religion, and belief.
His activism has led to repeated legal and political pressure. He is currently facing a criminal case connected to his refusal to participate in military conscription. Despite these risks, he continues to work with civil society organizations, affected communities, students, workers, writers, and international partners to strengthen democratic participation and nonviolent social change.
Netiwit is also involved in campaigns to protect the historic Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine in Bangkok and to support migrant and construction workers affected by wage theft and insecure working conditions. His documentary, The Last Breath of Sam Yan, received major documentary and heritage conservation awards in Thailand.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Chulalongkorn University with first-class honours and was a Buddhist Ministry Initiative International Fellow at Harvard Divinity School. He will continue his graduate studies in Buddhist Studies at Harvard Divinity School. His work draws together activism, publishing, spirituality, nonviolence, and international solidarity.
