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Society

Thai rapper's arrest amplifies Southeast Asian political hip-hop

From Bangkok to Phnom Penh, lyricists get under authorities' skin

Thai rapper Dechathorn Bamrungmuang flashes the three-finger protest salute after being released on bail in Bangkok on Aug. 20. He still faces the possibility of years in prison.   © EPA/Jiji

PRAGUE/BANGKOK -- The song "Prathet Ku Mee," or "What My Country's Got," has been on the soundtrack of every major Thai protest since the hip-hop collective Rap Against Dictatorship released it in late 2018.

Some demonstrators want to rein in the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Others focus on opposing the military-backed government led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. There are also demands to end gender discrimination and corporal discipline in schools.

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