TAIPEI (TVBS News) － Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a Thai pro-democracy activist, spoke at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Taipei about fighting against the Thai government on Thursday. Juangroongruangkit advocates for freedom and democracy as an opposition leader in Thailand.
He shared some highlights of Thailand's history and political picture, and the hardships, challenges, and threats opponents have faced under a military government. Before becoming an activist, Juangroongruangkit ran a private company. He said he dived into politics because he felt hopeless about the future of his country.
"I believe the people of Thailand deserve better," Juangroongruangkit said. The party that he formed, however, didn't have the chance to enter the parliament, and was dissolved by the government. Juangroongruangkit was also charged with many different crimes.
"It was not only me. They also go after my family and my loved ones," he said. But Juangroongruangkit continues to fight. He said people should not take democracy for granted because it is very difficult to restore it. "It takes a lot of time and effort. It takes a lot of blood and tears to restore it," Juangroongruangkit said.