Members of the “red shirt” anti-government group again visited a fallen leader serving four years in prison for storming the 2009 ASEAN summit at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
Top officials from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship met with Arisman Pongruangrong at Pattaya Remand Prison March 29 as they prepare to appeal his conviction to the Supreme Court.
The Appeal Court on March 21 upheld a Pattaya court’s 2015 ruling sentencing Arisman and 12 cohorts to four years in prison for the April 11, 2009 protest that prompted the evacuation of world leaders via helicopter and dealt an embarrassing blow to Thailand’s world reputation.
UDD leaders Jatuporn Phromphan, Thida Thawornset and Nattawut Saikua were joined in the visit by fellow red shirts Weng Tojirakarn, Korkaew Pikulthong and Arisman’s wife Rapeephan and their children.
Jatuporn said following the 30-minute visit that those who are not currently in jail for their anti-government activities feel empathy toward Arisman and want to support him. Jatuporn and Nattawut are free on bail pending appeal of charges they engaged in terrorism during the 2010 riots. Weng and Nattawut, meanwhile, are out on bail pending the appeal of charges related to a 2007 protest against Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda.
He said their appeal to the Supreme Court and another request for bail will be submitted in about a week.
