He was a Red Shirt teenager. In May 2010, he threw a molotov cocktail, contributing to the burning down the Udon Thani provincial hall. He served six years for his crime. Though disappointed with the movement, he still believes democracy is worth fighting for.
Linguist Saowanee T. Alexander talks about the evolution of the term “red buffaloes” that had been used pejoratively to describe Red Shirts and supporters of the Pheu Thai Party. But in recent years, pro-democracy activists have reclaimed the slur, partly shifting its derogatory usage.
Somsak Prasansap is one of many who say they were wrongfully convicted for the burning of provincial halls in Isaan in May 2010. Since his release, the 59-year-old is struggling to stitch his life back together.
For over nine years Teerapon Anmai and his academic friends who set up a fund to help the families of political prisoners have been receiving letters from prisoners detailing their hardships and sharing their thoughts.
What happened to those persecuted for the burnings of provincial halls in Isaan in May 2010? We talked to Somsak Prasansap whose life fell apart after he was arrested and charged with arson of the Udon Thani provincial hall.
