Report Prominent Thai Activist Arrested on Serious Charges

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ Matichon

 

In a startling turn of events, Thai businessman and political activist Tanat “Luk Nat” Thanakitamnuay, widely known as "Hi-So Luk Nat," was released on a 100,000 Thai Baht bail following his arrest for multiple serious offences. The charges include possession of firearms and drugs, and assault against women.

 

The arrest came after a Thai woman reported to the Youth and Women Welfare Centre that Tanat forced her to consume drugs, threatening her with a gun. When she resisted, she alleged that Tanat struck her on the head with the weapon. She managed to flee when Tanat fell asleep under the influence of drugs, seizing the opportunity to capture photographic evidence.

 

This complaint led police to raid Tanat’s homes in Bangkok’s Suan Luang district. During the operation, officers discovered 12 firearms, over 1,940 rounds of ammunition, cocaine, and paraphernalia for using crystal meth. Although under the influence during the raid, Tanat reportedly cooperated with the police.

 

The legal proceedings against Tanat include charges under Section 7 of the Firearms Act, which could lead to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 Baht. He also faces charges under Section 146 of the Narcotics Control Act, carrying potential penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines as high as 1 million Baht.

 

The situation intensified as another woman, a Thai party entertainer, came forward with similar allegations against Tanat. She accused him of physically assaulting her, damaging her mobile phone, and withholding payment for her services. Initially too frightened to speak out, she decided to report the past incident after seeing reports of his arrest.

 

Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Tanat managed to secure his release on bail. This development shocked many who had previously respected him for his pro-democracy activism. Tanat was particularly noted for his presence at a rally in Bangkok’s Din Daeng area on August 13, 2021, where he sustained a serious eye injury from a tear gas canister. This incident had earned him considerable praise from supporters for his dedication to the cause.

 

The unfolding of these events has cast a shadow over Tanat’s reputation as a politically active and affluent businessman who was regarded as a voice for the people. The case now lies in the hands of the legal system, which will determine the activist's fate in light of these grave accusations.

 

As the story develops, it continues to capture public attention, raising critical conversations about accountability and justice in Thailand’s socio-political landscape. The next legal steps will inevitably be closely watched by both Tanat’s supporters and the wider public, eager to see how the situation unfolds.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-08

 

[johng]

8 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

a Thai party entertainer

 

What a lovely euphemism 🤣