BANGKOK, Jan 31 – Thailand’s Civil Court today dropped a protest leader’s request to revoke the Emergency Decree, but banned the authorities from seizing demonstrators’ necessities, medical supplies and equipment needed for rallies.
The court ruled that protection would not be granted to demonstrators for seizing state offices and blocking roads.
Thaworn Senneam, a key leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), earlier lodged a complaint with the court, charging three state officials with abusing their power in invoking the Emergency Decree.
The three defendants named by Mr Thaworn were caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung in his capacity as director of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and
Order, and National Police chief Adul Saengsingkaew.
The court said the three defendants were authorised to invoke the decree to maintain public order and their action has not affected peaceful demonstrations. They did not order the use of force to disperse the protesters as claimed by the petitioner.
Mr Thaworn said he accepted the court’s ruling and would not appeal.
