This Article is From Mar 03, 2016

'Popcorn Gunman' In Thailand Jailed Over Protest Clashes

'Popcorn Gunman' In Thailand Jailed Over Protest Clashes

Today he was convicted of killing a bystander during the gunfight that broke out after anti-government demonstrators sought to interfere with an election. (Representational Image)

Bangkok: A Thai gunman who gained national notoriety for firing an assault rifle concealed inside a popcorn bag during political clashes in 2014 was sentenced to 37 years in prison today for killing a bystander.

Wiwat Yodprasit, known as the "popcorn gunman", was arrested two years ago after police identified him as the masked man seen aiding anti-government protesters during a broad daylight shootout with government supporters.

The clash in northern Bangkok was one several violent outbreaks during months-long protests seeking to oust an elected government that was later toppled in a military coup.

At the time, the "popcorn gunman" was hailed as a hero by anti-government supporters, with images of his green and yellow popcorn sack appearing on t-shirts and other protest memorabilia.

Today he was convicted of killing a bystander during the gunfight that broke out after anti-government demonstrators sought to interfere with an election in their quest to take down then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration.

"The court ruled the defendant guilty of murder and handed down life in prison. But because his confession during the investigation was useful, the sentence was reduced by one third to 37 years and four months," a judge said.

Thailand has suffered a decade of turmoil as pro-democracy activists and rural supporters of the Shinawatra family vie for power with Bangkok's arch-royalist elite and their allies in the military.

The 2014 protests, in which 28 people were killed, sought to replace Yingluck's administration with an unelected "People's Council" to enact reforms to tackle corruption.

Their wish was largely granted when the military, led by General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, launched its coup, its twelfth successful takeover since 1936.

Shortly after his arrest, Wiwat told reporters he was paid $9 a day to act as a guard for the protesters.

He said the popcorn bag was used to collect spent bullet shells and hide an M-16 assault rifle given to him by the head of the movement's security team.

At the time vast swathes of downtown Bangkok were controlled by the anti-government protesters, some of whom set up checkpoints with armed guards.
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