In order to support anti-establishment protesters' calls for political change in Thailand, including reform of the monarchy, many Thai celebrities are risking their careers. For advocating their political views, they run the risk of losing their jobs, their supporters, and possibly their freedom.
1. Chai-Amorn Kaewwiboonpan
Ammy, also known as Chai-amorn Kaewwiboonpan, was detained on March 3 and charged in connection with the Feb. 28 early-morning torching of a painting of His Majesty the King in front of Klong Prem Central Prison. According to reports, the 31-year-old singer-turned-activist confessed to lese majeste and arson charges while saying he was "ashamed" for not assisting Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak and the other three imprisoned protest organisers.
2. Inthira “Sine” Charoenpura
Inthira, an actress and singer, has earned the moniker "fairy godmother" of the demonstrators for her contributions of food and support. She has received praise from liberals for her political remarks, but harsh criticism from conservatives. There is a cost involved, of course. Seniors who are [conservative] don't want me to speak out. Some of my critics have spoken to me in really unpleasant terms. There are some days when I dare not check social media comments, she stated.
3. Focus Jeerakul
Focus became famous at the young age of 10 after appearing in the popular romance comedy "Fan Chan" in 2003. (My Girl). She first voiced her concerns after demonstrators in Bangkok's Pathum Wan crossroads were attacked by police using water cannons laced with tear gas in October of last year. She urged officials to "stop injuring and harassing people." The actress argued that it was inappropriate to employ force on young, nonviolent protesters.
4. Maria Lynn Ehren Poonlertlarp
Maria, who won the title of Miss Universe Thailand in 2017, was photographed at anti-government demonstrations in August and September of 2016. The Thai-Swedish beauty queen claimed she participated in the demonstrations because she could no longer stand for "injustice." "I can't just use my platform to market items to people. I also have to contribute to society, Maria stated. Even though there was a chance she may lose valuable business deals, she chose to side with the demonstrators. I have to stay loyal to who I am, she said.
5. Yuhtlerd “Tom” Sippapak
Yuhtlerd has made it obvious that he opposes the current administration. He demanded Prayut resign, claiming the prime minister was "more suited to a tyrannical administration than a democratic one." He frequently tweets scathing criticism of both himself and his detractors. He revealed in June of last year that a respected senior individual had encouraged him to be more courteous and "attempt to fight crudeness with polite argument."
6. Dechathorn “Hockey” Bamrungmuang
Dechathorn "Hockey" Bamrungmuang, a Thai rapper, was perplexed as to why, on August 16, 2014, he was detained on suspicion of sedition following his performance at one of Thailand's student protests. Tens of thousands of people participated in the demonstrations, which were the largest in Thailand since 2014 and demanded the dissolution of parliament, the creation of a new constitution, an end to the persecution of political activists, and reforms to the monarchy.
7. Haruthai “Au” Muangbunsri
As she describes a disinformation campaign aimed at destroying the monarchy, Haruthai jumped to protect the institution. She shares the belief of other royalists that the monarchy is a vital component of fostering racial harmony. The 46-year-old is frequently seen leading fellow royalists in protests against youth-led demands for monarchy change, a more democratic charter, and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-resignation. cha's
8. Bin “Top” Bunluerit
Bin, a fervent defender of the monarchy, has been quick to denounce behaviour he considers insulting to the royals, such as a protester giving the royal procession the middle finger as it passed. Bin, 58, recently vowed to slap everyone who disdained the monarchy, regardless of the legal repercussions of his acts of aggression. He left his 30-year position as a volunteer rescue worker at the Ruamkatanyu Foundation in October of last year as a result of that remark.
9. Nitipong “Dee” Honark
The 60-year-old TV personality and successful composer filed a police report in November 2020 claiming anti-establishment protest leaders of defaming the monarchy. His behaviour provoked a boycott movement against him online. He wrote a Facebook posting opposing monarchy reform two days prior to making the police complaint: "Don't ask monks what they want for alms. Don't question the King about the applicability of Article 112 (the lese majeste law). It's past due.
10. Anuchyd “O” Sapanphong
Last year, the actor referred to demands for freedom and democracy as a sort of cyberbullying. Allegations that he supported authoritarianism and used violence against demonstrators in response to his tweet were made. He subsequently said that he was opposed to reforming the monarchy, claiming that "we have no duty to scrutinise [the institution]". I find no problem with the issues stated [by the reformists], Anuchyd replied in response to accusations that his devotion for the monarchy was blind.
