Activist Mike Rayong leaves Thailand, citing safety and freedom

Mike Rayong, a Thai activist known formally as Panupong Jadnok, shared an emotional account of his decision to leave Thailand, primarily driven by a desire for safety and greater freedom. The activist expressed his pain at leaving behind his mother and homeland.

Panupong took to Facebook to explain his heart-wrenching decision to leave his home country. He addressed his followers with a heartfelt message.

“Hello to all my respected and beloved supporters. Today, I want to share with you the most difficult decision of my life: leaving my home, my family, and especially my beloved mother. This decision to leave the country did not come from a desire to abandon anything but out of necessity and hope for a safer life with more freedom.”

The activist highlighted that his choice to emigrate was made after thorough and careful consideration, weighing the impact on his loved ones. He stressed that the decision was not due to personal weakness but a response to the unjust legal system in Thailand.

“The thoughts and considerations were many but the realisation that the root cause of the impact was not from me but from an unjust judicial process that has oppressed us, causing many to lose their freedom and, in the worst cases, their lives.”

Panupong’s post delved deeply into the emotional toll of leaving his mother behind. He described her as his most precious possession and the separation as indescribably painful.

“I believe everyone understands that saying goodbye is never easy. Leaving Thailand was not because of weakness but due to the injustice, lack of safety, and restricted freedom I faced. The most painful part is leaving my mother, the last precious thing I have in life. This forced separation is beyond words, leaving only tears and a heavy heart.”

Aims to return

In his message, Panupong expressed a glimmer of hope, aiming to return and care for his mother in her final days or, at the very least, to build a better future that would ease her worries.

“Despite the sadness and pain, I hold onto the hope that one day I can return to care for my mother in her final days. At the very least, I aim to create a better future to ease her worries and make her proud of her son’s journey.”

Panupong also voiced his determination to advocate for political freedom and human rights. He hopes to be a voice for those oppressed by the political system in Thailand and to fight for the freedom of political prisoners, reported KhaoSod.

“I also hope to be a voice for every fighter, to let the civilised world know about the oppression and restricted freedoms for political dissidents in Thailand. I demand freedom for those prosecuted for their differing opinions and all political prisoners, as a global citizen. With respect and heartfelt thanks, Panupong Jadnok.”