Police are seeking arrest warrants for an additional 15 people who attended a pro-democracy rally in Pattaya last month.
Pattaya’s police chief, Pol. Col. Apichai Kroppech said March 28 that the 15 people, who were caught on video but have yet to be identified, would face the same charges brought against Sirawit “Ja New” Seritiwat, a core member of the New Democracy Group, rally speakers Wanchaloem Khunsaen and Chidapha Thanahatthachai, and Anurak Jentawinitch, Weerachai Fendy, Daranee Chancheungsillapakul and Aree Sophon.
They were charged with violating a National Council for Peace and Order directive against political gatherings of more than five people and failing to obtain permission for the March 4 “on tour” rally under Seritiwat’s Start-Up People movement opposite Central Festival Pattaya Beach.
Seritiwat and the other six defendants appeared in Pattaya Provincial Court March 28 for reading of the charges against them, but he demanded additional investigation, claiming what was done was hasty and incomplete.
He also contested that the activists had done nothing more than exercise their human rights in a rally that was peaceful.
