Ekkachai: Play a song “My Country got” in front of the Army Headquarter

On 15 February 2019, Pue Thai party organized election campaign event at the plaza in front of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration office. During the campaign one of politician of Pue Thai Party spoke about the reform of arm force and reduction of defense budget.

Later, on 18 February 2019 the Army chief spoke to the press regarding a statement by politician of Pue Thai Party, told them to listen to the song titled “nak phan din” (Scum of the Earth – the song was used to provoke hates toward student movement before the 6 October 1976 massacre.) 

 

Apirat Kongsompong, the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army also ordered the to play the song in all radio station that belong to the army. After the news was spread idea of Apirat faced criticism especially among Thai internet user, he then dismissed the order but order to play the song via wire broadcasting within all army camp.

Ekkachai then made announcement on his facebook said that he will go the play the song "prated ku me (My Country got – a song by rapper group Rap Against Dictatorship) in front of the Army Headquarter. On 20 February 2019 Ekkachai along with Chokchai (another activist) went to Army Headquarter to do their activity. Ekkachai and Chokechai managed to proceed with their activity for a certain period of time before the were brought to Nang Loeng police station where they were informed of charge under Public Assembly Act Ekkachai also had to pay 200 Baht fine for using amplifier in public place without permission.

 

In March 2019, the prosecutor filed the case to the Dusit Municipal Court. Then witnesses examination were proceeded between 3 and 4 July 2019. The prosecutor had 4 witnesses testified to the court. 3 are police officer who presented at the scene while another is inquiry official. The defendants only presented Ekkachai as withness for the defense.

 

On 25 September 2019, the Dusit Municipal Court found Ekkachai and Chokchai guilty for not notify public assembly under Publi9c Assembly Act. Both were fined in the sum of 2000 Baht each.