Thai was arrested under the allegation of “conducting anti-state propaganda” contrary to Article 117 of the Criminal Code. According to HRW, Thai was expressing sympathy towards repressed rights activists, and published posts discussing sociopolitical issues. She expressed criticism towards Article 117 and 331 of the Criminal Code, and urged the government to reform the laws violating free speech. Freedom of expression is protected under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Vietnam forms part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the right to freedom of expression is a protected and guaranteed under the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.