It was ‘FOUR’, who were arrested by police in Bangkok on February 14 (fell on Valentine Day) for their peaceful protest against the Junta. The arrestees were student activists and a human rights lawyer combined. They are the ones who constantly have been raising their voices and fingers in different occasions for the past 9 months under the incumbent Junta. This time, focus was on the ‘Stolen Election’ referring to the one held a year ago amid turmoils including shooting and blockade created by activists from People’s Democractic Reform Committee (or PDRC) – the latest version of “yellow shirts”. The ‘stealing’ process was completed when the military staged the coup on May 22 2014. Democracy, demised for the time being.
Why do I bother ‘FOUR’ in the first place..? Reason is simple.
According to Prachatai report :
“Police at Pathumwan Police Station charged them with violating NCPO –the Junta– Order No. 7/2014 which prohibits a political public gathering of more than five people. People who violate this order face a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to 20,000 baht or both.
People who are living in Thailand, both Thais and foreigners, are well aware of this ‘Order’ that has been effectively preventing any gathering from being organized by more than five, NOT FOUR.
The Valentine Day’s arrest has reportedly attracted dozens more people on the spot supporting the Four. The overreact deemed unlimited by arresting the Four hence makes non sense at all, nor does have a regulated ground provided by the very authority, Thai military.
The episode led me to recalling back in late November last year, meanwhile. There was similar attempt for gathering which was cautiously organized and participated by lawyers, student activists and individual activists affiliated with Red Shirts. Near Democracy Monument in Bangkok on November 23, less than two dozens of people lit candles which lights were shimmering and simmering on that dark night. Every movement of people then was flashed and watched by solders and police nearby. I immediately titled the gathering ‘Brave Lights’. Here are some pictures of Brave Lights of the night.
All rights reserved © Lee Yu Kyung 2014
Men in uniform were present at the supposed venue for gathering before any participant arrived (© Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
A soldiers near Democracy Monument, the supposed venue for the gathering, was frequently checking Social Network System (or SNS). The planned gathering aimed to support for students, who were arrested days ago for ‘three finger salute’ at the cinema screening ‘Hunger Game’. Three fingers salute has become a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule in Thailand. And now it’s banned. (Photo © Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Natchacha Khongudum is well known student activist for her three fingers salute at the cinema screening ‘Hunger Game’. Three fingers salute has become a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule in Thailand. And now it’s banned. (Photo © Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Lights were shimmering (© Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
One of the participants was Phayao Akhard, mother of the late nurse Kamdked Akhard, who was among six shot dead at Wat Pathum Wannaram during the 2010 bloody crackdown. (© Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Participants were sitting together for a picnic-like event to avoid being named ‘protesters’. (© Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Ake Ottagone was talking to media. He is a pioneer of the campaign called ‘Respect My Vote’ as he was shouting “Respect My Vote!” at a press conference by Democrats, the party associated with conservatives and has a history of boycotting election in January 2014. (© Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
One of the participants holding rose to support for students, who were arrested days ago for ‘three finger salute’ at the cinema screening ‘Hunger Game’. Three fingers salute has become a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule in Thailand. And now it’s banned. (Photo © Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Ratthapol Supasopon was one of the student activists released after short detention as he staged a protest by three finger salute as well. (© Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Student activists and human rights lawyer sang a song at a small gathering near Democracy Monument on November 23. Students were among those who were arrested ‘three finger salute’ at the cinema screening ‘Hunger Game’ in November. Three fingers salute has become a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule in Thailand. And now it’s banned. (Photo © Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Men in uniform at the scene (© Lee Yu Kyung 2014)
Another WORD is Possible 