Detained activist wins Jarupong Thongsin Award for Democracy

The Thammasat University Student Council has awarded the 2026 Jarupong Thongsin Award for Democracy to activist Jatupat “Pai” Boonpattararaksa. 

Songphon Sonthirak (right) receives the Jarupong Thongsin Award on behalf of Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, who is still detained.

The award ceremony was held on 6 October during the annual memorial event for the 6 October 1976 Thammasat University Massacre. As Jatupat is still detained, activist Songphon Sonthirak received the award on his behalf.

Songphon thanked the organizers for the Award which recognizes those who fight for democracy and freedom. It shows that those who fight are not alone and that there are people willing to stand together for change.

Due to the recent flood around the Bangkok Remand Prison, Songphon said he has not seen Jatupat and has not received messages from him. He noted that Jatupat will be brought to court on 3 - 6 November for witness examination in the trial relating to the 19 September 2020 protest and anyone who wants to see him may attend the trial.

Jatupat has been detained since 3 September 2025. He was found guilty of royal defamation along with activist Atthapol Buapat for sppeches they made at protests in front of Phu Khiao Police Station and Phu Khiao School in Chaiyaphum on 1 February 2021. On 30 September 2026, the Supreme Court upheld the verdict. Jatupat was sentenced to 2 years and 12 months in prison, while Atthapol was sentenced to 2 years.

Name after a Thammasat University student killed during the 6 October 1976 massacre, the Jarupong Thongsin Award honours those who fight for democracy. Jarupong was last seen on the morning of 6 October 1976 runnning towards the Faculty of Law building to help other injured students after going to warn students still remaining in the Student Activities building and telling them to run. He was also said to have stayed behind to make sure that everyone had left.

Past recipients of the award included human rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampa, activist Panupong Jadnok, and activist Parit Chiwarak, all of whom were leading figures in the 2020 - 2021 pro-democracy movement.

• News

• Jarupong Tongsin Award
• 6 Oct 1976
• Thammasat University massacre
• Jatupat Boonpattararaksa
• Thammasat University Student Council

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