In a scene peppered with the tension and drama of a political thriller, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak strides into the Samran Rat police station, the latest chapter unfolding in his relentless dance with the law. It’s December 16, 2020, the air is charged with anticipation, and cameras flash as reporters cluster around this emblem of resistance. Parit, a name synonymous with political activism in Thailand, is not here for a casual visit; he’s responding to yet another lese-majeste case, hoisting the tally to a staggering 25. This record-setting figure is not just a number but a testament to his unwavering defiance, as noted by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).
The root of this particular rendezvous with the law? A social media dispatch dated December 2021, catching the ire of former Palang Pracharath Party MP Pareena Kraikupt. At the heart of the controversy is a post critiquing a Constitutional Court judgment concerning the qualifications of ex-prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. But where many saw political critique, accusations flew alleging disrespect towards the monarchy, intertwined with breaches of the computer crime law—a spicy mix in the charged atmosphere of Thai politics.
Under the shadowy umbrella of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, each charge carries a potential stint in jail stretching from 3 to 15 years—a daunting prospect for most, but Parit walks this tightrope with both eyes open. Charged individuals often find themselves doing a grim tango with computer crime laws, adding another layer of complexity to their battles.
Thursday’s meeting with the investigators at Thong Lor police station saw Parit assuming a familiar stance—denial of the charges pressed against him, with a bold refusal to let his fingerprints mark the record. He stands firm, declaring his intention to submit a statement of defense within 30 days, walking out with the charges acknowledged but his spirit unbroken.
TLHR paints a vivid picture of Parit as not just a man but a movement, with these 25 lese-majeste cases tracing the contours of his political engagement through 2020 and 2021. With 1,951 individuals prosecuted for their political voices since the Free Youth protests began in July 2020, Parit’s story is but a stark chapter in a larger narrative of dissent and defiance.
Meanwhile, the stage of political activism in Thailand is further roiled by the plight of hunger-striking activists Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaimahabut, their plea for bail falling on the deaf ears of the Criminal Court. An attempt to have Tantawan’s father appointed as release supervisor did little to sway the court’s resolve, leaving both activists to weather the storm behind bars, their hunger strike a silent testament to their fight against the refusal of bail for political offenses.
As Tantawan and Natthanon grapple with their conditions in different hospitals, their struggle casts a long shadow, intertwining with Parit’s ongoing battle. Together, they sketch the contours of a nation at a crossroads, where the lines between dissent, dignity, and defiance blur, weaving a compelling narrative that continues to capture the world’s attention.
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