Many people are afraid of being caught for doing something without realizing it could become a crime, or of being in the wrong place at the wrong time for doing the wrong thing. This is what happened to a young man who was sentenced to two years in prison for drawing ducks.
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The case happened in Thailand, the boy named Tunmai asked to reconsider his sentence. He posted bail of 70,000 baht, the equivalent of about R$10,300. Arrested in December 2020 for painting ducks, he was able to reduce his original sentence of three years.
A man has been jailed for drawing ducks in Thailand
In this case, the ducks were drawn on the calendars that the boy sold. The works featured animals with lubricants on their heads and were next to dogs or even flying in airplanes. The fact is that the drawing mocked the country’s monarchy and became a symbol of protest.
According to press reports, the young man’s defense said he was not responsible for drawing ducks on the calendar. In fact, he just distributed the pieces, plus the duck would only be a character of its own and not a reference to the king.
The fight for democracy
You may find it strange and unfair for someone to be arrested for drawing ducks. However, it must be remembered that this is a country with a monarchy. Animal graphics are used to challenge the king’s authority and demand democracy in place.
There, it is considered a crime to mock kings. Inflatable duck floats have been used in protests by protesters dissatisfied with the Thai political system, for example. They acted as a shield to get rid of the water fountains used by the security forces.
But for many analysts, Thailand is increasingly far from becoming a democratic country. Indeed, the monarchy seems to have more power than before.
Oliver Ashford is a contributor to Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessibility, Oliver aims to present useful information and engaging stories in a straightforward manner, making complex topics easier for readers to understand and follow.