Court again rejects plea to release student activist
The Court of Appeal, Region IV, rejected for the second time a petition to release young activist and lese majeste accused Jatupat Boonpatraraksa, alias Pai Dao Din, on Wednesday.
According to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, the court in rejecting the petition saw no reasons to change its decision despite a statement from the activist promising to refrain from engaging in political activities.
Pai was accused of lese majeste in December for sharing a BBC article deemed against the monarch.
He was released on bail in December but it was revoked soon after as the activist expressed political opinion on social media. After that, the courts have repeatedly reject his bail requests, citing the danger of the suspect tampering with evidence and showing disrespect to officials again.
The trial of Jatupat at Khon Kaen Court would start in August.
His lawyer Krisadang Nutcharas said the court could deliver a verdict in the case in November.