THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Prawit critic suspects political motive behind attack on his car

Prawit critic suspects political motive behind attack on his car

A political activist whose car was damaged by fire in the early hours of Saturday suspects the attackers had a political motive.

Ekachai Hongkangwan said on Sunday  that this was the first attack targeting his property, following five physical assaults against him over the past year.
“I am the only political activist who has been assaulted so many times. I have received encouragement to continue with my activism from friends and acquaintances,” Ekachai said.
He added that the latest attack came after he filed a police complaint against a senior military officer.
“I am sure what happened was politically motivated. I have no issues with anyone else in other areas,” he said.
The activist explained that his Nissan Sunny saloon came under attack when parked in front of his house in Bang Kapi district. A security-camera recording showed that at about 3am on Saturday a man in his early 20s poured liquid down the left side of the vehicle then set fire to it before fleeing.
Ekachai said that he would now be taking extra precautions when venturing outside his home. “I may need to make sure I am accompanied when travelling,” he added.
In 2013, Ekachai was convicted of lese majeste, serving two years and eight months in prison before being released in 2015.
He has actively campaigned to call Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan to account over his undeclared collection of luxury wristwatches.
The superintendent of Lat Phrao police station said yesterday that investigators were checking security-camera recordings in the nearby area in order to find to find the perpetrator of the attack. Police Colonel Passakorn Ratanapanadda said police were convinced there was more than one culprit.
 

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