Protests

Security guard slaps student for displaying protest sign at Bangkok mall – VIDEO

Published

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 11:04

PHOTO: Facebook / Benja Apan

A security guard at the luxury Iconsiam shopping mall in Bangkok has slapped a student activist after she held up a protest sign at the facility. The confrontation occurred at around 2.30pm yesterday, when the Thammasat University student displayed a sign that read, “You monopolised the vaccine so the Monarchy could take the credit.”

The student, named as 21 year old Benja Apan, was quickly surrounded by at least 7 staff members, with one security guard grabbing the sign before pushing away a camera that was recording the development. A sharp sound is then heard, followed by Benja screaming that the guard has hit her. She proceeds to call for help, while the men continue trying to restrain her.

VIDEO: Matichon TV

According to a Coconuts report, Benja and an unnamed associate appeared shortly after at Pak Khlong San Police Station, saying the security guards from the mall had taken them there. It’s understood the organisation Thai Lawyers for Human Rights have provided Benja with a lawyer. A number of protesters also gathered at the police station in a show of support for the student, while speaking to police about the actions of the security guard accused of hitting her.

A representative of the shopping mall has apologised for the confrontation, saying it’s investigating what happened. It says people should not voice political opinions on its premises.

Thailand has set aside 6 billion baht to produce the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine locally. The manufacturer, Siam Bioscience, is a new pharmaceutical company owned by the palace.

SOURCE: Coconuts

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15 Comments

Larry McFarland

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 11:41 am

wow what big “men” yo are all…. taking 5 guys to rough up a poor girl just trying to make her own statement. I hope they get what they deserve

Reply
Mister Stretch

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 12:10 pm

Any time security or police don’t want a situation being video recorded indicates that they aren’t entirely clear about their legal position and don’t want to look bad.

It’s chilling how much freedom of expression is being curtailed, lately.

The student, though, when she was being rousted from “private property” should have wisely decided to stand on the public sidewalk or street, IMO.

Reply
Kim

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 12:39 pm

Boycott #iconsiam

It’s clear they can’t control their buffalo “security guards” and the only evidence making them “security guards” is the badge

Reply
gosport

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 1:26 pm

Why not take the time to improve math ability?

Reply
- Georg
  
  Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 4:50 pm
  
  They prefer not to learn math. Just protest against math.
  
  Reply
- Joe
  
  Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 6:32 am
  
  We have 2 new dumbos on the forum, georg who can’t even spell his name correctly and gosport, a case of dumb and dumber.
  
  Reply
  - Toby Andrews
    
    Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 9:51 am
    
    Which one’s dumber?
    
    Reply
Ray

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 2:48 pm

Well private property is private property but no one has the right to hit anyone else. That is assault in anyones language. They amassed to corner, intimidate and frighten that young lady. That was thuggary at its best.

Reply
Issan John

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 9:10 pm

All a bit odd, even down to the placard which makes little rational sense.

Reply
- Toby Andrews
  
  Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 9:53 am
  
  Like you.
  
  Reply
albert zweistein

Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 5:46 am

Iconsiam is on my boycot list.

Reply
Roger C

Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 9:54 am

She received white glove treatment.

Reply
Sebastian

Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 4:56 pm

What is most disturbing about this is…..
“Thailand has set aside 6 BILLION baht to produce the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine locally. The manufacturer, Siam Bioscience, is a NEW pharmaceutical company OWNED BY THE PALACE”.
Do they truly have no shame? Profiteering from the people’s suffering and even disallowing private enterprise to make a buck and so feed their families.

Reply
- Mike Froment
  
  Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 7:46 pm
  
  I sure that you are not allowed to make a profit from the astrazeneca vaccine they are the rules it’s a not for profit
  
  Reply
  - Andre
    
    Monday, January 25, 2021 at 3:08 am
    
    Rules? This is Thailand – what are you talking about? You know better than coming with such a comment.
    
    Reply

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

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