BANGKOK, Feb 9— Indian businessman Satish Sehgal, who is facing deportation for allegedly violating the Emergency Decree, showed up at the compound of People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protest site in Silom area today while his supporters earlier gathered at the Indian Embassy.
Mr Satish, former president of the Thai-Indian Business Association and a PDRC co-leader, appeared near a PDRC protest site on Silom Road Sunday afternoon amid warm welcome and moral support by PDRC supporters. He said that he went to encourage PDRC supporters rallying in the Silom area where is near his residence.
However, Mr Satish reportedly did not make a speech on the anti-government stage.
The Indian-born businessman also denied a report that he applied for asylum, adding that he ended his involvement in political activities.
In a related development, a network of residents and Silom-New Phetchaburi-Yaowaraj businesspeople led by Chumsilp Sottipridavong gathered around noon in front of the Embassy of India in Soi Sukhumvit 23 to give moral support to Mr Satish, who is facing deportation order for allegedly breaking the Emergency Decree by joining the anti-government PDRC protests.
The group said that the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) overreacted against Mr Satish.
The group also submitted a letter to the Indian ambassador via an embassy official, calling the embassy to assist Mr Satish and protect his rights and liberties.
In a related development, caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan instructed permanent secretary for interior to compile evidence— still photographs, video, information related his speech on PDRC stages— as well as complaints against him for consideration by a relevant committee on Monday.
The caretaker minister said that the process must be carried out meticulously in order to prevent potential problems afterwards.
