Parit: read open letter called upon the Army chief to call off the broadcasting of a song “Scum of the Earth”

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 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.

 

In response to Army chief’s statement, Parit and Tanawat, student activist went to street isle in front of Army Head Quarter on 20 Feb 2019 around 9.00 am. The two activists read out statement to the Army chief, urging him to call off the broadcasting of a controversial song “Scum of the Earth”.

While carry on with their activity a banner written “Scum of the earth was not a cool, you better listen to My Country got” (a song by rapper group Rap Against Dictatorship) 

 

Soon as Parit and Tanawat read out their statement the police brought them to Nangloeng police station inform them accusation under Public Assembly Act for not notify public assembly to the police in advance. 

 

On 22 March 2019, the prosecutor filed charge against Parit and Tanawat to the Dusit Municipal Court. The witness examination of this case was proceeded on 24 July 2019.

The prosecutor presented 4 witnesses to the court, 3 were police officials while another witness was a student who taken part in the activity with the two defendants. As for the defendants, only the two activists who were defendants presented themselves as witnesses to the court.

After witness examination was concluded. The court set to render a verdict on 28 October 2019.