Da-oh Maseng’s new life after 18 years in prison
The first thing that former PULO chieftain Haji Da-oh Thanam or Da-oh Maseng did when he was set free on probation on Saturday September 19 after having spent 18 years in prison was to return home to his 85-year old mother, Mrs Meenor Maseng.
Mr Da-oh Maseng was given a warm welcome by friends and relatives who packed his younger brother’s home in Tambon Thanam, Pattani’s Panareh district to greet his homecoming. His family prepared khao mok pae (Thai goat meat biryani) for Da-oh Maseng and all the guests.
He told the Isranews team that without his remaining jailterm suspended he would have to spend another ten years behind bars. He said he was very happy with his new freedom thanks to his own good conduct and the special probation.
"Throughout the past 18 years of imprisonment first at Bangkwang maximum security prison, then in Songkhla provincial prison and finally at Pattani provincial prison, I have never thought there will be this day. I feel so happy that I have never felt before. This is a very auspicious day for me," said Mr Da-oh.
The former PULO separatist recalled his life 38 years ago when he left home for Mecca and then to Syria where he spent four years studying public relations. After graduation with a BA degree, he returned home in Tambon Thanam and lived there with his mother for about five months and then, one day, was told by an official that he was wanted for inciting rebellion against the state.
Da-oh said he then escaped to Malaysia but was eventually arrested by Malaysian authorities and deported back to Thailand and sent to Bang Kwang prison.
He admitted that he felt painful when he heard about the unrest problem in the Deep South while he was serving his jailterm. He said he would take some time for reflection before he would start doing something to help out.
Da-oh disclosed that most of his colleagues had already been released with the exception of Mr Abdulrohman bin Abdul Kade who is still serving his jailterm in Na Thavee prison. And he expected him to be released soon.
Mrs Meenor, meanwhile, told Isranews reporters that it had been over 30 years that she had not hugged her son and she was very happy with their reunion.
She described Da-oh as a good boy who liked to study. She said Da-oh asked to study in Mecca and while he was studying there he also worked to support himself.
Mrs Meenor said she had a brain surgery last year after she fell down and she thought she would never see Da-oh again. While being hospitalized, she said police escorted Da-oh to visit her once but she was then not so fully conscious.
Now with her son back home with her, she said she could die in peace.
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Caption : Da-oh Maseng (white shirt)