Far-off Thailand might not seem an obvious place for recruits to Ukraine’s efforts to raise an international volunteer force to defend against Russia’s invasion.
But for former air force conscript turned political activist Chanaphong “Ball” Phongpai, the cause is a natural fit for members of the pro-democracy movement that emerged in 2020 to protest a military-backed government in the country.
Mr Chanaphong, 28, said he felt upset for the Ukrainian people, particularly after reports of Russian attacks on civilians.
“I have been involved in demanding democracy in my country … and opposing tyranny,”…
