Police ready to throw the rule book at pro-democracy protesters

Police ready to throw the rule book at pro-democracy protesters

By THE NATION

Police would comply with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s order to use all relevant laws against pro-democracy protesters who broke laws, Deputy Metropolitan Police chief Pol Maj-General Piya Tawichai said on Thursday.

Prayut on Thursday warned protesters that security agencies would use “all relevant laws” against escalating anti-establishment protests. His announcement came after pro-democracy protesters besieged Parliament on Tuesday only to be met by police water cannons and tear gas.

The protesters are calling for General Prayut’s removal and reform of the monarchy.

“Police are reviewing evidence to pursue applicable legal actions against lawbreakers,” he said. “Police will not hesitate to enforce Section 112 if the offenders show clear intention of violating this specific section.”

Section 112 of the Criminal Code states that "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to 15 years.

“As for the protest leaders who had received bail or temporary release order from the court, police are preparing to file an appeal to the court to revoke their bail if they violate the bail condition, as well as ask the court to prohibit them from joining future rallies,” Piya said.

Piya added that police are chalking out plans on dealing with upcoming rallies to be held on November 21 and 25, and vowed to increase intensity of law enforcement.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30398267