On Saturday (25 May), Ekkachai Hongkangwan reported on Facebook that 6 men rode 2 motorcycles to assault Anurak ‘Ford’ Jeantawanich, an anti-junta activist. Anurak went to Muangsamut Poo Chao Hospital for treatment.

Anurak ‘Ford’ Jeantawanich

Anurak posted on Facebook that he was assaulted as he was leaving his house to join a demonstration at the Telephone Organization of Thailand, the temporary venue for meetings of the House of Representatives.

30 people in black shirts went to protest against the political system rigged in the junta’s favour. Ekkachai Hongkangwan, another prominent activist, joined the demonstration and attempted to enter the House venue as he wanted to observe, but was obstructed by the police.    

Anurak was hit on the head with a metal pipe, leaving a wound 5-mm deep. The doctor had to put in 6 stitches and injuries were also found on his face, knee, and the back of his right hand. He had to have a brain scan and knee X-ray and must stay in hospital for 2-3 days’ treatment.

Anurak was charged 22,046 baht in medical fees and a Facebook campaign for donations was set up. Many in red shirts also paid visits in support of the activist.

This is the second time he has been assaulted. At the end of March, two men in black clothes on a motorcycle assaulted him at his own home with a large stick and injured his left arm. His fellow activist, Ekkachai Hongkangwan, has been assaulted 7 times, excluding two arson attacks on his car.   

“I’m not angry at those who hurt me,” posted Anurak on Facebook after the assault. “The fault lies with the dictators who rule this country who are behind it. They have been weakened and the people have been strengthened. Sending people to assault an activist shows that the dictator is scared.  The more the blood of democracy bleeds, the more it thickens.  This activist will not give in to despair but only become more determined.”