Two police officers sprang into action last year on March 28, hastening to arrest a man they spotted defacing the hallowed walls of Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Armed with black spray paint, the perpetrator brazenly scribbled and then crossed out the infamous number 112, a nod to Thailand’s controversial lese-majeste law. This audacious act, captured on video, sent ripples through the community.
The man behind the spray can, Suttawee “Bang-urn” Soikham, a 26-year-old from Khon Kaen, now faces eight months behind bars for his rebellious venture. The original sentence was a year, but his confession earned him a reduction by a third—no suspension included. Unbowed, Suttawee plans to appeal the Criminal Court’s decision and has secured bail to do so.
Rewind to that fateful day—March 28. Atop the ancient stones of the temple’s exterior, situated within the grandeur of the Grand Palace compound in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, two officers witnessed Suttawee’s act of defiance. The number 112 symbolizes Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, addressing lese-majeste offenses. With an anarchist symbol to boot, this was an unmistakable political statement.
The police promptly nabbed Suttawee and whisked him to the Metropolitan Police Division 6 for interrogation. But his story was far from over. Fast forward to Thursday morning, and Suttawee, alongside his lawyer, braved the court hearing with resolve. Two of his friends, themselves ensnared by similar charges, stood by him in a show of solidarity.
In his verdict, the court found Suttawee guilty of violating several laws, including the Ancient Monuments, Antique Objects and National Museum Act, as well as the Cleanliness Act. Despite his guilty plea and subsequent reduction in sentence, the verdict stood firm: eight months in jail, without suspension.
However, Suttawee’s saga has entangled others. Two journalists, present during the act of vandalism, are also under the legal microscope. Curiously, charges were not brought against them until February 13 of this year. The reporters in question—freelance photographer Nattaphon Phanphongsanon and Nuttaphol Meksobhon of the online news outlet Prachatai—claim they were merely documenting events, with no involvement in the actual graffiti.
Yet, police contend they hold CCTV footage capturing the duo alongside Suttawee, supposedly plotting the spray-painting misadventure. The lack of audio, however, throws a veil of ambiguity over their purported discussions. What were they really talking about? It remains unclear.
Now, as Suttawee prepares for his appeal, his case continues to elicit broader questions around freedom of expression, political dissent, and the stringent lese-majeste laws in Thailand. His friends and supporters, along with the two journalists, represent the many voices striving to be heard in a complex and charged socio-political landscape.
As the narrative unfolds, one can’t help but ponder: will justice prevail, or will Suttawee’s audacious act paint an indelible mark on the country’s history of civil liberties? Only time and a higher court’s judgment will tell.
I can’t believe he’d deface a sacred temple like that. Disrespectful and ignorant.
While I don’t condone vandalism, he’s making a statement against unjust laws. Freedom of expression matters.
Sure, but there’s a time and place for everything. Defacing a temple isn’t it.
Exactly! Protesting is one thing, but showing disrespect to cultural heritage is another.
The lese-majeste law is archaic and oppressive. Thailand needs to move forward, not backwards.
These laws are essential to protect our traditions and monarchy. It’s our history.
History should adapt to modern values. Oppression isn’t progress.
Exactly, Pat! We can’t let outdated ideals stifle free speech and democracy.
Detaining journalists for simply documenting events is an alarming sign of state overreach.
Suttawee is a hero to some, a criminal to others. It’s all about perspective.
Indeed. Heroism or criminality often depends on which side of history you stand.
He’s definitely more than just a criminal. It’s about fighting for justice.
I feel for the officers who had to handle this mess. They’re just doing their job.
True, they must enforce the law, but the law itself is the problem here.
Fair point, Jenny. Maybe it’s time for lawmakers to reconsider such strict measures.
It’s sad to see people treated like criminals for standing up for their beliefs.
Suttawee’s act of defiance was bold, but will it bring change or more trouble?
Why didn’t the journalists intervene instead of just documenting? They could have stopped him.
Journalists’ job is to document, not intervene. We need unbiased reporting.
I get that, but saving a historical site should be more important than a news story.
Spray painting an ancient wall is wrong, but his argument against oppressive laws is valid.
I agree, Chris. His method was flawed, but the message is crucial.
I just hope this sparks a debate and leads to positive change.
The real criminals are the lawmakers who think penalizing free speech is acceptable.
Exactly! Protect the people, not the power figures.
Every regime that stifles dissent will eventually crumble. History has shown us that.
Thailand’s legal system needs a complete overhaul. This case is a clear example.
Suttawee should have found another way to protest. This isn’t the way to make a point.
Defacing a temple does nothing but create more division and anger.
Sometimes drastic actions are necessary to draw attention to serious issues.
I still believe there were less destructive ways to achieve the same goal.
Will Thailand ever have true freedom of expression? Cases like this make me doubt it.
It’s a long road ahead, but we can’t lose hope. Change often comes slowly.
What a shame it has come to this. Countries should respect human rights universally.
Agreed, Emma. Human rights should never be compromised.