Picture courtesy of Naewna

The Supreme Court has upheld prison sentences for two prominent Red Shirt leaders involved in the 2010 political protests in Bangkok. Mr. Yoswarit Chuglom faces five years and four months despite being treated for a stroke, while Mr. Suksek Poltue, known as Suk, received a life sentence. Legal proceedings against the government of then-prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva conclude with this decision.

These protests, led by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, took place from March 12 to May 19, 2010, aiming to force early elections. Clashes with military forces resulted in over 80 civilian deaths, six military fatalities, and more than 2,100 injuries. Earlier, a lower court acquitted all defendants, but the Appeals Court later imposed sentences on Yoswarit and Suksek.

Today in court, Yoswarit's daughter requested another postponement of the ruling due to his ongoing medical treatment. The court, noting a previous deferral, insisted on his attendance, leading to his transfer from hospital to court. Yoswarit, visibly in poor health, was wheeled into the courtroom with medical equipment attached, reported Thai Newsroom.

Key Takeaways:

• The Supreme Court confirmed sentences for key Red Shirt leaders from the 2010 protests.

• The protests led to major civil unrest and significant casualties in Bangkok.

• Despite appeals, the Supreme Court's decision marks the end of this legal battle.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2026-01-21

 

 

"Earlier, a lower court acquitted all defendants, but the Appeals Court later imposed sentences on Yoswarit and Suksek." East is east.... double jeopardy in my home country I think you would call that. Government can't appeal a 'not guilty' plea... but this is amazing Thailand

16 years later....

On 1/21/2026 at 4:12 AM, webfact said:

a lower court acquitted all defendants, but the Appeals Court later imposed sentences

This is what happens when there is no money left after paying off the lower courts. Budget planning is important.

Is it a coincidence that there's an election round the corner?

On 1/21/2026 at 5:45 AM, Emdog said:

"Earlier, a lower court acquitted all defendants, but the Appeals Court later imposed sentences on Yoswarit and Suksek." East is east.... double jeopardy in my home country I think you would call that. Government can't appeal a 'not guilty' plea... but this is amazing Thailand

You do realize that a sentence can be appealed, right? The keywords are “a lower court”, which implies the prosecution appealed, hence it went to a higher court, which overturned the original sentence. In other words, no double jeopardy.

10 hours ago, hotchilli said:

16 years later....

Perhaps because it is considered a capital crime and these cannot be subject to a statute of limitations.

They will join the boss 😂

On 1/22/2026 at 8:17 AM, hotchilli said:

16 years later....

And when are the murdering soldiers and their commanders in the Free Fire Zone going to trial???

22 hours ago, pacovl46 said:

You do realize that a sentence can be appealed, right? The keywords are “a lower court”, which implies the prosecution appealed, hence it went to a higher court, which overturned the original sentence. In other words, no double jeopardy.

retrying someone for the same crime for which a not guilty ruling was made is double jeopardy. Here is a google response.... I understand this is coming from UK/US legal system... but ought to apply here...

"Double jeopardy is a legal principle, rooted in the Fifth Amendment (US Constitution), that prevents someone from being prosecuted or punished more than once for the same crime after an acquittal or conviction, protecting against government overreach by ensuring finality in criminal proceedings, though exceptions exist like separate sovereign prosecutions (state/federal) or certain civil penalties. "

1 hour ago, Emdog said:

retrying someone for the same crime for which a not guilty ruling was made is double jeopardy. Here is a google response.... I understand this is coming from UK/US legal system... but ought to apply here...

"Double jeopardy is a legal principle, rooted in the Fifth Amendment (US Constitution), that prevents someone from being prosecuted or punished more than once for the same crime after an acquittal or conviction, protecting against government overreach by ensuring finality in criminal proceedings, though exceptions exist like separate sovereign prosecutions (state/federal) or certain civil penalties. "

You totally missed the point. Sentences can be appealled and it's not the same a double jeopardy....

You don't understand the differences between prosecution and defense. Tell me which advanced countries with individual rights allow prosecution to appeal if the decision is 'not guilty'. That is the point. Gov gets one shot, if lose that's it. If governments had right to keep retrying individuals, the could do that for rest of individuals life... government essentially has infinite resources to do this, compared to average defendant. 'PREVENTS SOMEONE FROM BEING PROSECUTED OR PUNISHED more than once."