The Coffee, Time, a Judge, and the Pledge of Thailand’s Most Prominent Political Prisoner Arnon Nampa
The Coffee A hot cup of Americano, unsweetened, plus a croissant with a sweet or butter filling inside. That was the request of Arnon Nampa—Thailand’s most prominent prisoner of conscience. When I first asked him what he would like to have, he asked for Starbucks coffee but there were none in the vicinity of the […] The post The Coffee, Time, a Judge, and the Pledge of Thailand’s Most Prominent…
The story revolves around Arnon Nampa, Thailand's most prominent political prisoner, who has been serving a combined 32-year sentence for defaming the monarchy. Arnon, a lawyer and co-leader of the monarchy reform movement, was detained by the junta in 2014 for "attitude adjustment." Despite his lengthy imprisonment, Arnon remains steadfast in his pursuit of monarchy reform and free speech.
Recently, when I visited him in court, I offered him a cup of Americano and a croissant, which holds special significance for him. The judge, during his sentencing, suggested that if Arnon confessed, he would be released quickly. Arnon declined, emphasizing his principled stance that his criticism of the monarchy was motivated by free speech and not intended to defame the monarchy.
He also expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, promising to drink a dram of Scotch whisky when he is freed.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
