Rodjaraeg Wattanapanit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodjaraeg Wattanapanit
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| Born |
Mae Hong Son
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| Nationality | Thai |
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| Awards | International Women of Courage Award |
Rodjaraeg Wattanapanit is a brave woman from Thailand. She owns a bookstore and works to protect people's right to speak freely. She helped start an organization called Creating Awareness for Enhanced Democracy, or CAFÉ Democracy. This group, based at her bookstore, helps people share their ideas openly. In 2016, she received a special award called the International Women of Courage Award.
About Rodjaraeg
Rodjaraeg grew up in a place called Mae Hong Son in Thailand. She went to Payap University in Chiang Mai. There, she studied business.
Before she became known for helping people speak freely, Rodjaraeg worked to protect forests. She helped raise money for groups that manage forests in a way that keeps them healthy for the future. She worked for a group called Community Forest Support Group, which is a non-governmental organization (NGO). This means it's a group that works for good causes, not for the government.
Her Bookstore and Challenges
In October 2011, Rodjaraeg opened her bookstore, Book Re:public. She started it with Pinkaew Luangaramsri, who studies people and cultures at Chiang Mai University.
In 2014, there was a big change in the government in Thailand. The new government made Book Re:public close. Rodjaraeg was asked to go to military places. They wanted her to agree not to do anything political. She had to sign a paper so she could go home.
But Rodjaraeg did not give up. After one year, she opened her bookstore again! It was more than just a place to buy books. It became a community center. People could come there to talk about ideas and have friendly debates.
International Recognition
In 2016, Rodjaraeg won the International Women of Courage Award. This award comes from the United States Department of State. It honors women around the world who show great bravery and leadership. Rodjaraeg was the first woman from Thailand to ever win this important award.
