BANGKOK, 23 May 2014 – The Criminal Court has ordered cancellation of bail granted to three former members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) involved in the seizure of airports in 2008 due to their roles in recent anti-government protests.
The Criminal Court today deliberated on the bail revocation request of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) against nine former PAD core members who were found guilty of laying siege on Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports in 2008 and were later given temporary freedom.
In their verdict, the judges ruled to withdraw bail of three of them, namely Mr Ratchayut Sirayothinpakdi, Mr Pichit Chaimongkol and Second Lieutenant Samdin Lertbut. They were found to have recently led anti-government protesters to surround and cut power supply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. Such action was deemed by the Court as infringing on other people’s rights and thereby breaching the bail conditions.
As for the other six individuals, the Court said there was no clear evidence of their violations although they had made political speeches on stage and had partaken in protest activities. Therefore, the Court resolved to maintain their bail. However, they were warned to be extremely cautious with their actions from now on.
Among the latter group were Mr Pipop Thongchai, Mr Suriyasai Katasila, Mr Somkiat Pongpaiboon and Ms Anchalee Paireerak.
