A remembrance was held for Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old Thai American immigrant who was violently shoved to the ground and died three years ago.
The commemoration took place at the Wat Thai of Los Angeles Jan. 27, a Buddhist temple located in North Hollywood, to honor him and other victims of anti-Asian hate.
“We’re remembering hundreds of victims of anti-Asian violence and thousands of persons subjected to anti-Asian hate, but [also] any other form of hate,” said Chancee Martorell, executive director of the Thai Community Development Center. “The fact that we live in these trying times when hate threatens to undermine our society and all the values at its very core, we need to remember that we cannot allow hate to enter into our hearts.”
On Jan. 28, 2021, Ratanapakdee – also known as “Grandpa Vicha” to activists and his local community – was exercising in the Anza Vista neighborhood of San Francisco when he was shoved to the ground. His head struck the pavement and he died of a brain hemorrhage two days later.
The incident was captured by a CCTV camera across the street. The suspect, Antoine Watson, was arrested shortly after the incident. He has been charged with murder and elder abuse, but he has yet to be convicted.
Assault Not Charged as Hate Crime
Ratanapakdee’s family has been trying to get justice for the past three years but has instead encountered a long series of delays. The last court date was on Dec. 8, 2023, and will reconvene on Feb. 7 to set a trial date.
“The court hearings’ varying delays have been challenging,” said Monthanus Ratanapakdee, Vicha’s daughter. “For me, it has been very frustrating … both of us [the defendant and I] need a fair trial.”
She also questioned why her father’s death is not being tried as a hate crime and why her case has taken so long.
“I feel like the victims of hate crimes never get victim’s rights,” Monthanus Ratanapakdee said. “We never get…
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