Activists, academics, and many others gathered at Thammasat University to show their solidarity for the 14 embattled anti-junta activists and call for their release as the end of their custody period draws near.

On Monday evening, 6 July 2015, many people from all walks of life gathered at Thammasat University, Tha Prachan Campus, to participate in an event called ‘Wings of Freedom’ to campaign for the immediate release of the 14 embattled anti-junta activists, who have been in custody since 26 June 2015.

The activity was held the night before the custody period of the 14 activists ends. However, the police might submit a new custody petition to the military court on Tuesday morning. The event lasted from 5-9 pm.

At the event, many pro-democracy academics and activists gave speeches to urge the release of the 14 and criticized the junta’s regime for the repression of freedom of expression and human rights.

People also gathered to sing and write post-it notes with messages of support for the 14 despite the pouring monsoon rain in Bangkok.  

Members of Khon Rak Baan Koed (KRBK), a local anti-mine activist group from the northeastern province of Loei, who have been working with Dao Din Group, an activist group from Khon Kaen Province, seven of whose members are among the 14, also came to the event and sang a traditional folk song of their region to support the detained activists.

Wiboon Boonpattararaksa, the father of Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, one of the 14 anti-junta student activists now in detention, sings for his son at the event

Khon Rak Baan Koed (KRBK), anti-mine activists from the northeastern province of Loei, travelled to Bangkok to sing and show solidarity with the Dao Din Group and the other detainees