Thai musician Sek Loso given lengthy prison sentence
Renowned Thai rock artist Sek Loso has been sentenced to almost three years in prison due to gun possession and drug charges.
The musician, who has sold millions of records, is the frontman of Loko. On May 20th, he was convicted of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, drug use, and resisting arrest by police officers.
According to the local Thai publication, Nation Thailand, Loso was first arrested on December 31st, 2017, when an arrest warrant was issued after he fired a gun without justifiable cause at his home in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Loko reportedly threatened to use his weapon once officers arrived at his premises and resisted their presence, which led to them bringing in a special unit for assistance. It was said in court that Loko possessed an automatic pistol with registered ammunition despite not having a licence.
The musician also admitted to the use of illegal substances. Loso, who previously had a conviction to his name for which he was given a suspended sentence, was sentenced in court to two years and nine months in prison.
In court, Loso spoke about his bipolar disorder as an explanation for his actions, which the court rejected.
Loso, who have performed at internationally renowned festivals such as Glastonbury and South By South West, are one of the most successful groups in Thai history. Their second album, Entertainment, sold over two million copies in Thailand alone.
After disbanding in 2002, Loso reunited in 2021 to tour but haven’t released an album since The Red Album in 2001. Outside of the band, the musician has released seven studio albums with his last release, I’m Back, arriving in 2013.
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