SAN FRANCISCO, California — In 2021, an 84-year-old Thai American named Vicha Ratanapakdee was attacked and killed for no apparent reason while doing his morning exercises in San Francisco. The video of the incident was widely circulated online, triggering a series of social movements calling on the United States and San Francisco to support and elevate the voices and concerns of Asian Americans.
The daughter of the murdered elder, Monthanus Ratanapakdee, has since embarked on the path of becoming an advocate for equality and rights for Asians. She is the founder and CEO of the Justice for Vicha Ratanapakdee Foundation and a director of the Southeast Asia Development Center.
On Sept. 9, Monthanus gained another important identity: she was sworn in as a member of the San Francisco Immigrant Rights Committee at San Francisco City Hall.
“I am honored to be appointed by Mayor Breed to the Immigrant Rights Committee,” Montanus said. “This role allows me to continue to advocate for justice and equity, especially for immigrant communities who face significant challenges and barriers. My commitment is to ensure that San Francisco remains a city where everyone, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect.”
From Grief to Motivation
Monthanus told Sing Tao Daily that the appointment holds special meaning for her because it marks the continuation of her journey toward justice. “This journey began after the heartbreaking attack on my father. Over the past two years, I have turned my grief into a powerful motivation to lift and protect our community. As the city grapples with immigration, and public safety I am keen to bring my experience, passion and deep understanding of immigration challenges to this role.”
From the families of victims to a strong voice for immigrants, Monthanus said this journey of civic engagement has not been easy for her and her family. After the incident that year, with the encouragement, support and respect of many newly established organizations, she turned her anger and indignation into strength and actively fought for justice for all victims and their families.
Victims Must Be Heard
Monthanus pointed out that although she and her family are not “political people” themselves, they know that sometimes in order to be taken seriously, participating in politics is a necessary action. “I always hope that the environment will improve and allow the victims’ families to have a voice and send a meaningful message to some people who may be going through the same thing.”
The advocate, who now works for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) student nutrition school meal service, pointed out that respect for Asians starts with the education of the younger generation. This is also a key task for her to become a member of the Immigrant Rights Committee.
After Vicha’s death, Monthanus’ eldest son, who was 11 years old at the time, took the initiative to organize memorial activities. It was he who suggested changing the name of the street to warn others to stop doing things that harm Asians. Monthanus said: “Our generation grew up in a Buddhist country and kept a low profile when things happened. But this doesn’t work in this society. We must speak out to let everyone hear the voice of the immigrant community, both for ourselves and for the next generation.”
Read the original story at Sing Tao Daily.
