Rapper Thanayut “Book” Na Ayuthaya—known better as ElevenFinger—who made his name rapping about life in the Khlong Toei slums was sentenced to one year in prison this morning alongside two other co-defendants, according to a source close to events at the Ratchada Criminal Court.
The specific counts he was convicted of were not immediately clear, but metro Bangkok police detained Book in April 2020 in connection with the alleged throwing of fireworks known as “ping-pong bombs” at the residence of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha.
The rapper was originally charged with possessing explosives and culpability in the event. While Book denied any role in throwing the devices, he said that he knew two people behind his vehicle who presumably did so. Police said that explosive materials were found at Book’s home after the event.
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A source close to the defendant told Coconuts media partner BK that he had been feeling hopeful that he would receive house arrest. Six other suspects in the bombing included his girlfriend Patima Fakthong, Pornpoj Chaengkrachang, and four teenagers whose names were not released.
Prior to the judgment date, ElevenFinger took to social media to decry the upcoming sentencing. “In a military base that includes tanks, warships, and armed soldiers, how can anyone stand up to them? But when it’s time to seize power, they come out to rob/steal/plunder the tanks,” the rapper said on Instagram.
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At just 17 years old In 2018, Book challenged the stubborn biases against Bangkok’s largest slum with his music, garnering media attention with This is Khlong Toei Compton, a rap battle with 48 hip-hop artists across the country.
He was previously arrested in August 2020. Book appeared in the award-winning documentary School Town King, retelling his struggles breaking into the music scene and out of poverty.
Joshua Stephens contributed to this article.
