Jarunee denies taking sides

“I think I have the right to express my opinions and know the truth. Nowadays, it’s difficult to live in the world,” she told The Nation by telephone.

 

Jarunee was spotted on Saturday night at the rally of the Network of Students and Citizens to Reform Thailand. The group, which broke away from the People’s Army to Overthrow the Thak-sin’s regime, has occupied the Urupong intersection since Thursday evening. 

 

The appearance of the actress was reported as a surprise in several Thai media. Some photos of the actress being greeted by her fans at the rally site were also posted. 

 

Jarunee said that apart from being an actress, she also operates her own business, so she was concerned about the economic situation. Asked if she was concerned that attending the rally would affect her work as an actress, she replied “whatever will be, will be”. If that turned out to be the case it would simply prove that there was a problem in this country, she said. 

 

“I just want to get away from fear, have a happy life and secure business. It’s good to have more [political] rallies to give more information to the public. At least we can know what’s going on. People should have broad minds. I want to see unity in society,” she said.

 

The actress admitted that most actors and actresses were afraid of getting involved in politics because they had to follow their employers’ stances. 

 

On the Pantip website, there was a discussion about Jarunee. One camp said it was good for an actress to show her political stance, but the other side criticised her action. 

 

Earlier, several well-known actors and actresses came out to show their political feelings by joining the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to protest against Thaksin. They included ASTV host and PAD leader Saranyu “Tua” Wongkrachang and actress Sirilak Pongchoke. Both were charged with terrorism involving the closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2008.