Supporters of Thailand’s pro-democracy movement raised millions of baht within a few hours last night to help free two prominent activists jailed for the past six months.
Held in rare pre-trial detention on charges of insulting the monarchy, attorney Arnon Nampa and student activist Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak had been offered bail Tuesday by the Criminal Court – if they could secure combined bonds of THB2.1 million (US$65,000).
To raise the money, the Ratchadon Prasong Funding Pool, a legal defense fund supporting the pro-democracy movement, jumped in to ask the public for money. Within hours, its bank account spiked from THB2 million to THB10 million.
#ReleaseOurFriends was trending on Twitter in Thailand today. The two remained behind bars Wednesday as they have active cases in other jurisdictions that will also require bonds be posted.
If granted…
