BANGKOK, May 10 — Thailand’s Criminal Court on Friday granted bail for Pheu Thai Party MP and Red Shirt activist Korkaew Pikulthong with Bt600,000 in assets being accepted as collateral.
The court considered Mr Korkaew’s bail request on Thursday and explained that he has done no harm to others’ reputations while he was earlier released temporarily as a result of his parliamentary immunity.
However, he could not apologise to the Constitution Court judges given that the judges filed defamation charges against him, and to do so may affect the case.
After mulling over the request, the Criminal Court ruled that the defendant’s explanation was acceptable and that he had softened his stance, demonstrating repentance for his offence after 37 days in jail.
The Criminal Court then granted Mr Korkaew bail with Bt600,000 set as collateral.
The court added bail conditions including that as defendant he must avoid any slanderous comments and he renounced his right to speak publicly or making remarks that could damage other people reputation.
The court ordered him to strictly observe its bail conditions.
Mr Korkaew was charged with terrorism and released on bail in connection with 2010 anti-government Red Shirt protests.
His bail was revoked for violation of bail conditions on his remarks that were considered intimidating Constitution Court judges and inciting unrest but he was freed due to having political immunity.
However, his political immunity ended on April 20 as Parliament went int recess. The next session is due in August.
He had earlier appealed twice but the court rejected his bail bids, saying he might repeat his wrongdoing.
