The fine line between life and reality

Though they have not actually been put behind bars, their life is not that much different from the one they'd lead in jail.

The nine don't dare step out of the Government House compound because the minute they show their faces, they will be arrested.

Deputy police spokesman Pol Maj-General Surapol Tuanthong said since the case allows 20 years as a statute of limitations, the police will jump at any chance they are given to arrest them.

"If we raid the Government House now, there will be too much damage. We prefer to wait for them outside," he said, adding that the police had set up an ad hoc committee to monitor their moves at all times.

A source said, at first, the nine had to sleep in a van parked at the protest site at Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge. They apparently took turns resting and taking the stage. Later, a hi-society lady took pity and ordered that an air-conditioned tent be set up for PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila. This obviously was a blessing for the other leaders too.

While the nine appear to have the basic conveniences, the Sri Wichai warriors - who raided the NBT station the same day PAD seized the Government House - seem to be facing tougher times in prison. Fifty of them are housed in one cell, they have nowhere to store their belongings and, even though each inmate has a locker, things still get lost.

Yesterday, relatives visiting the warriors at the Bangkok Special Prison were advised to leave their mobile phones in a locker. However, even though each had been given a key, all ten of their phones disappeared.

This must be the taste of real life.