Ruling sought on coup call

If not, the court should order an end to more unconstitutional protests and protest leaders arrested by the DSI for committing treason under Article 113 of the Criminal Code, he said. The move was aimed at retired Gen Boonlert Kaewprasert, leader of the Siam Pitak group, who personally urged the military to topple the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, which Boonlert claimed had become corrupt and antithetical to the monarchy.

Former intelligence chief Prasong Soonsiri, who also spoke at the group’s anti-government rally, was also accused by Ruangkrai of acting against the charter.

Since the group was seeking to stage another demonstration later month, the court must consider the case quickly, as according to his understanding, demanding a coup is tantamount to pressing for the overthrow of the democratic system and committing treason and is punishable by death or life imprisonment, he said.

The court should once and for all set a standard for future anti-government protests, he said. Parts of speeches by two men on stage quoted by the media were submitted.