Student activist detained as he demands answers over sea-reclamation project
Prominent student activist Panupong "Mike Rayong" Chadnok was arrested on Monday (August 24) for demanding an explanation for the filling up of 1,000 rai of the sea to extend Map Tha Phut port during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's visit to Rayong.
At around 4pm, when Prayut was at the Ban Phe market to talk to Rayong tourism representatives, Panupong showed up with a sign, and demanded that Prayut answer his question and study the consequences of the port extension.
He also asked why the locals were not told of the government's decision or of the environmental impact assessment report before the area was refilled.
He then raised the three-finger salute before police officers handcuffed him claiming they had an arrest warrant from Thanyaburi Provincial Court for the speech he delivered at Thammasat University Rangsit Campus on August 10.
Before he was bundled into the van, Panupong shouted "police have abducted the people" and raised the salute to much applause and boisterous support from bystanders.
On Tuesday, supporters showed up at Khlong Luang Police Station where Panupong is being held, while the Move Forward Party was preparing to submit his bail guarantee before he is sent to face charges at Thanyaburi Provincial Court.
Panupong had previously been arrested on August 8 along with lawyer Arnon Nampa for his role in the July 18 anti-establishment protest at Democracy Monument. He was released on bail.
