Yoswarit 'not remorseful enough' to be granted bail

According to the Criminal Court’s ruling, Yoswarit was temporarily released on August 22 but he intentionally breached his bail conditions and behaved in a manner that could lead other people to feel threatened.

During a rally, Yoswarit had revealed the names and phone numbers of the justices, which resulted in the revocation of his temporary release. The Criminal Court found that although Yoswarit said he was sorry and would send a letter of apology to the seven justices, he had taken no action to indicate that he would keep his word after his release.

The Criminal Court also reasoned that Yoswarit had been detained for just two weeks, so he could not yet convince the court that he really repented his actions. The short period would not be enough for Yoswarit to reflect on his behaviour and practice self-restraint if he was released again. The court read its verdict out at 11am after hearing on Tuesday the testimonies of Yoswarit, better known by his comedian moniker of Jeng Dokjik, his witnesses and MP Nipit Intharasombat from the opposition Democrat Party.

Yoswarit, assistant secretary to Deputy Interior Minister Thanis Thienthong, was taken from Bangkok Remand Prison in Laksi to hear the court’s decision. His wife Karuna Moris, red-shirt chairwoman Thida Thavornset and some red-shirt followers also attended the session. After the court decision, Yoswarit’s wife and Thida walked over to talk to him. Winyatti Chartmontree, Yoswarit’s attorney, said Yoswarit would send a letter of apology to the seven justices next week.

Democrat MP Satit Pitutecha filed a complaint with the Ombudsman, accusing Justice Minister Pracha Promnok of violating the code of conduct for political office holders because they must not contact and support someone whose behaviour had been improper and disgraceful.

Pracha had testified to the court on Tuesday that Yoswarit would behave after his release.