Jailed protest leader’s birthday celebrated outside prison

THE Thalufah activist group held a birthday celebration for jailed protest leader Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike Rayong, and also celebrated Christmas for three other jailed protest leaders outside Bangkok Remand Prison today (Dec. 26), Matichon newspaper said.

At around 5 p.m. members of this activist group tied a large cloth banner with the message, “Free our Friends,” from their pickup truck carrying a loudspeaker to a power pole. Especially remembered for this Christmas were their three jailed leaders Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, Mr. Jarupat Boonpattararaksa, or Phai Dao Din, and Mr Anon Nampha.

Mr. Alek Chokrompruek, a member of the Songwriters for the People group, and his friends played music there.

Mrs. Yupin Maneewong, Mike’s mother, said in normal times the family would celebrate his birthday by getting together and cooking food. She added that this was not high-end but they were happy together. Mike turned 25 today.

At 5.15 p.m. a police team displayed a large placard with the message, “Announcement – end this rally.” They then told the demonstrators their gathering was blocking the traffic and violated the emergency decree amid jeers from the crowd.

At 17.38 p.m. Mr. Thatchaphong Kaedum, or Boy, led the demonstrators in shouting the names of all political prisoners to give them encouragement.

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Top: Mike Rayong’s mother Mrs. Yupin Maneewong talking to the press. Photo: Matichon

First below: The Thalufah demonstrators marking Mike Rayong’s birthday outside the prison today. Photo: Siam Rath

Further below and Home Page: More scenes from today’s rally. Photo: Matichon