Activist Ekkachai Hongkangwan’s car has been torched in front of his house. There will be a demonstration on 3rd February to condemn the intimidation. 

Picture from Ekkachai's Facebook page

Surveillance camera footage from 3.00 a.m. on 26 January 2019 shows a man with a jacket and a cap walking out of the soi where Ekkachai lives holding a bottle of petrol that was used to burn the car. Ekkachai went to file a report at Lat Phrao Police Station and a forensic unit arrived at the scene.

On 28 January 2019, he posted on his Facebook page that months ago, a scratch and traces of a collision appeared on his car despite his clean driving record, followed by a nail driven into his car tire. He did not bring the matter to the police because he had not installed the security camera. 

After 2 years and 8 months in prison from 2012 to 2015 under Article 112 for selling CDs of an ABC documentary, Ekkachai became a political activist famous for his direct nonviolent actions. One of them is protesting against Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan’s impunity against corruption allegations for owning 25 luxury watches.

Tortured while being taken to a military camp, having fish sauce thrown at him, and having his finger broken in an assault in front of his own house, he has persisted through years of struggle despite 5 physical assaults. Recently, he also fought against the election delay.

Some have donated financial relief to Ekkachai; he said thanks for the support on Facebook. On 3rd February from 3-5 p.m., his supporters will hold a demonstration at Ratchaprasong in a campaign called ‘Don’t mess with me’ to demand an end to intimidation and assaults against political activists. The activities will include symbolic acts against junta and a ‘dance for election’ to encourage citizens to vote.