Myanmar’s Celebrities Become Face of Anti-Coup Protests
9 Apr 2021
The military junta in Myanmar on Thursday arrested 24-year-old model and actor Paing Takhon, hailed as “the most handsome person in Southeast Asia” by fans, because he criticized the coup.
Two days earlier, Myanmar’s most famous comedian was arrested for similar reasons, joining dozens of celebrities languishing in jail because the junta is desperate to deprive the protest movement of star power.
Takhon was taken into custody by eight truckloads of police and soldiers at his home in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. His sister asked supporters to pray for him, as he said he was in poor health before he was arrested.
Actor and model Paing Takhon protests in Yangon in February
Paing Takhon, a Myanmar actor with millions of fans in Southeast Asia, has been arrested by the military, as part of a widening crackdown on media figures in the country.
The 24-year-old actor, who has openly backed Myanmar s anti-coup protests, was arrested on Thursday morning in his home in North Dagon district of Yangon. Watch video 03:42
Myanmar journalist recounts escape to Thailand
Paing Takhon, a popular celebrity in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, has been active both at in-person rallies and on his social media pages. Both his Facebook page and Instagram account, which has more than a million followers, have also been taken down.