Arnon Nampha’s Prison Letters: No 1 [3 October 2023]

Rain falls. A light breeze carries cool air into the cell.

Before all else, I have to thank my seniors and friends who came to see me off the other day. Thank you for all of the encouragement and support.  It is a comfort and an honor to be together with all of you in struggle, suffering and joy.

After hearing the judgment, I secretly, truly and deep down, hoped that if it was my bad luck to be sentenced to imprisonment, I would be granted bail. I always reported myself to the court [when summoned] and came to the court to try cases as part of my job as a lawyer. But I pessimistically prepared as well. If I was not granted bail, then I wanted to get together to eat and drink with my seniors, juniors and friends before I went into prison.

But that’s just it. In a country that remains undemocratic, it is normal for political prisoners to be locked up.

Please pass my thoughts on to the seniors and friends in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: P’Porn, P’Phak, P’Ped, and everyone else. I hope everyone is well. I heard the news that Sudsanan has moved and is being renovated. If I get lucky and am granted bail, we will be able to eat and drink happily once again. Pass my care to Ae Sienwaen. If we have the chance, we will go and spend the night in Phu Chi Fa [National Park].

My love told me that I have support from seniors and friends from inside and outside the country. I send my thanks and thoughts to you.

To the Sanam Luang Team: I hope that P’Neng, P’Khwaen, Fund, P’Ja, P’Aek, P’Yot, and everyone is doing well. I am happy for you, P’Khwaen, that Liverpool beat Tottenham last time 🙂

P.S., For Kretto, Beer, Jet, and all of the juniors at the [Thai Lawyers for Human Rights] office who are helping to look after Issaranon: Tell Issaranon that his father is well and waits for the day he will meet him again.

 

May be an illustration of ticket stub and text

Original letter reprinted from and with permission of อานนท์ นำภา Facebook page.