31 PAD leaders indicted over 2008 protest
Thirty-one core members of the People's Alliance for Democracy, including co-founders Sonthi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, were yesterday officially indicted for besieging Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports during the protest against former prime
Another 83 people who are either PAD members or security guards who reportedly took part in the occupation of both airports and Government House during the PAD-led protests await the next round of indictments. Of the 31 members indicted yesterday, only 17 showed up at Criminal Court before they were released on bail at a Bt800,000 guarantee each.
The PAD’s satellite television channel, ASTV (Thailand), which broadcast the leaders calling on people to take part in protests during the PAD-led political gatherings, was also indicted as an entity.
A hearing is set on April 29 to hear the pleas.
The indictments were filed as a combination of offences against all PAD members, either for the first 31, and 83 others, for their illegal entry into and occupations of both airports.
The 31 PAD members have been indicted for terrorism; forceful entry; criminal conspiracy in violation of emergency rule; destruction and obstruction of facilities at an airport; affecting safety; causing traffic jams at public places; disrupting communications; causing others’ properties to depreciate; criminal conspiracy; obstructing officials’ duties; intimidating officials on duty; intimidating others and withholding freedom.