BANGKOK — A man convicted of opening fire on pro-election activists in 2014 got a prison visit and show of support from over 100 fans today.
Members of the People’s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State, or PCAD, the ultra-conservative group that led protests opposing the February 2014 election, rallied Tuesday in front of Bangkwang Prison where Vivat Yodprasit recently began serving his 37-year jail term.
The demonstrators said they wished to express solidarity with Vivat, who, according to prosecutors, wrapped an assault rifle in a popcorn bag and shot at rival protesters on Feb. 1, 2014, in the northern Bangkok district of Lak Si. The shooting left a 72-year-old man paralyzed, before he died seven months later.
'Popcorn Gunman' Claims He Was Tortured
After the incident, 24-year-old Vivat became known as the Popcorn Gunman and received widespread acclaim from PCAD members. Many of the demonstrators at the prison today donned T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Popcorn Superhero” as a show of support.