Bangkok court fines man 1,000 baht for punching ‘master complainer’ Srisuwan

UPDATE

A court in Bangkok, Thailand, ruled yesterday that the man who physically assaulted “master complainer” Srisuwan Janya last year must pay a fine of 1,000 baht. Srisuwan, however, demands 1 million baht in compensation.

The attack came after Srisawan accused Nose Udom – the nation’s favourite comedian – of violating the law with the anti-governmental standup sketches on his Netflix show.

On October 18, Srisuwan was giving an interview to the press about the comedian at the Crime Suppression Division when self-proclaimed ‘Red Shirt’ Weerawit Rungraungsiriphon shouted “Mung riak tuk yang!” (“You complain about everything!”) before launching several punches and kicks.

The political activist was not seriously injured. After the assault, Srisuwan filed charges against Uncle Sak at Bangkok’s Phahonyothin Police Station.

Yesterday, the prosecutor at Bangkok North Municipal Court ruled that Uncle Sak’s attack was a minor offence and punished him with a 1,000 baht fine.

The court revealed that Srisuwan’s lawsuit claimed damages of 1 million baht, which Uncle Sak said was “a bit overpriced” and refused to pay. He said he doesn’t have that much money.

The criminal part of the case is now complete but since Uncle Sak and Srisuwan cannot agree on the damages, the Civil Court will have to rule whether Uncle Sak is liable to fork out any cash.

If Srisuwan continues to demand 1 million baht, Uncle Sak will fight to the end, he said.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thailand’s ‘master complainer’ attacked over complaint against comedian (VIDEO)

Thai social activist Srisuwan Janya, deemed “Thailand’s master complainer,” was attacked today after accusing comedian Nose Udom of violating the law with his anti-government standup comedy sketches.

Secretary-General of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution – Srisuwan Janya – travelled to the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok at 10am today to request that the authorities launch an investigation into Udom “Nose” Taepanich’s alleged crimes.

The comedian came into the spotlight recently after poking fun at the Thai government in the 13th series of his standup comedy show ‘Deaw’ on Netflix.

Srisuwan says Nose Udom’s jokes could encourage people to join illegal public gatherings (pro-democracy protests) – which could “risk the security of the state, infringe the rights and freedoms of others or go against public order and morality,” which is a criminal offence according to the Computer Crimes Act (2007).

Today, Srisuwan was giving an interview to the press about the comedian when ‘Red Shirt’ Weerawit Rungraungsiriphon shouted “Mung riak tuk yang!” (“You complain about everything!”) before launching several punches and some kicks. Apparently, Srisuwan isn’t the first political figure Weerawit has punched in the face.

The activist was once popular for his anti-corruption campaigns. However, popularity soon turned to ridicule after Srisuwan launched a series of complaints against some very popular figures in Thailand – Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, hip-hop star ‘Milli’, and now the nation’s favourite comedian – Nose Udom.

Despite Srisuwan’s apparent Pro-Prayut stance, his complaining used to be directed at the Prayut-led military junta. After the NCPO took power over Thailand by military coup in 2014, Srisuwan filed numerous complaints against its members and associates. Then, he was summoned by the junta for an “attitude adjustment.”

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan says Nose Udom’s anti-government jokes are “not a big deal.” However, it is no secret that you can get in big trouble in Thailand for anti-government espousals. For example, three men were jailed last week for “insulting” PM Prayut and Deputy PM Prawit.