BANGKOK, July 4 — The Bangkok Military Court on Friday ruled to extend the detention of Sombat Boonngamanong, aka Bor Kor Lai Jud (The Polka Dot Editor), for another 12 days, reasoning that investigators have not been able to complete investigation of his case.
Mr Sombat is now released on bail.
He was arrested on June 5 and was charged with several counts including violation of the Computer Crimes Act, causing unrest in the country and failure to report as ordered by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) which seized power in the country on May 22.
Under Friday’s court ruling, Mr Sombat would be further detained for another 12 days, starting Sunday, and he must report to the court.
Mr Sombat, now free on bail, cannot leave the country without court permission and was banned from making any political speech or attending a political gathering.
Today he told journalists that he would cease any political activities until his case is over.
Thanking the NCPO for permitting bail, Mr Sombat said it showed that political atmosphere in the country has improved as the NCPO has “become more flexible.”
If the atmosphere has become more positive, negotiations between factions would improve and could pave the way to reconciliation and reform which would eventually lead to “restoring the democratic system in Thailand”, he said.
