Chamlong Srimuang Arrested

[Thai at Heart]

rather surprised it's not already been posted yet, but....

Chamlong and Chaiwat released on bail

People's Alliance for Democracy leader Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong are released on bail after Appeals Court has dropped treason charges against PAD leaders on Thursday.

Both leaders who were arrested last week on treason charges vowed to return to lead the anti-government protest at the Government House. Protesters erupted in cheers upon learning about the release.

Chamlong said after being released that he will return to the protest site at the Government as soon as possible.

In separate interview, Chaiwat said he thanked the Appeals Court for dropping the treason charges.

Commenting on negotiation with the government, Chaiwat said everybody should wait and see to see whether Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who is the brother-in-law of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra, was sincere or not in solving the ongoing political crisis.

Chamlong earlier changed his mind to seek release on bail. Earlier he and Chaiwat refused to seek release on bail, saying that the treason charge against them was vague.

Earlier Democrat MP and PAD leader Somkiat Pongpaiboon said that Chamlong decided to seek release on bail after talking with his wife, Siriluck, because the presence of Chamlong in the protest would give moral support to the activities.

Somkiat said Chamlong would rejoin the protesters, who have been occupying Government House, as soon as he is freed.

Deputy police spokesman Surapon Thuanthong said that police would raise no objections if the arrested PAD leaders wanted to be free on bail.

The Appeals Court yesterday ruled in favour of the PAD leaders by dropping treason charges against them.

The Court said the supporting evidence of the treason charges filed by the police against nine PAD leaders were vague.

However arrest warrants against them for conspiring with more than 10 people to cause disturbances or physical harms are still intact.

Upon learning the court's decision, Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD leader, said he and other leaders were ready to surrender to police on the remaining charges. They are willing to fight the other charges, but not that of treason, which they deem unjustified. They will then ask to be freed on bail, Sonthi said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-09

Isn't it odd that an individual gets released from the authorities knowing that he will go back to committing the very crimes for which he has been arrested for?

[jdinasia]

Not at all, IF the courts do not think that 1) the charges have merit or 2) They think that the release might de-escalate things ----

Note earlier in this thread I predicted that the PAD actions would be stepped up a notch while Chamlong was neatly tucked away in jail and could not be blamed. (Though I did expect to hear more from Panlop during that time.

Though analogy is always suspect, there is reason to believe that the black equality movement would not have been as successful in the US if there were only a Martin Luther King Jr. and no Black Panther party. Deal with the nice peaceful people or deal with the more militant people being the message back then. ((((Please pardon that digression as Chamlong has quite a history of not being so nice! but what he has said versus Panlop certainly makes a comparison worth looking at even if it is later deemed invalid!)))))

[sriracha john]

I just realized the Nation article didn't quote it, but the bail for Chamlong and Chaiwat was 100,000 baht each. Not much at all compared to some others that have been in the news.

[sriracha john]

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders Chamlong Srimuang (right) and Chaiwat Sinsuwong gesture as they leave Bangkok Remand Prison after being granted bail at 100,000 baht ($2,905) each October 9, 2008.

REUTERS

==============================

additional information on the bail....

Key protest leaders Chamlong, Chaiwat out on bail

BANGKOK, Oct 9 (TNA) - Top billing on the democracy protesters stage in Bangkok Thursday evening is being given to two key anti-government protest leaders, released by Thailand's Criminal Court late in the afternoon after a lawyer used a senatorial position as surety for bail in lieu of Bt100,000 each.

Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, held for less than a week, were released and would later go directly to Government House to meet their supporters and mount the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) stage to speak to the movement's faithful supporters.

Edited October 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Treason, Insurrection charges dropped

Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, two of the nine leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, last night returned to the PAD's protest site at Government House following their release on bail.

The Court of Appeals dropped treason and related charges against the two as well as seven other PAD leaders not yet arrested.

Chamlong and Chaiwat were freed from Bangkok Remand Prison on bail of Bt100,000 each after the Criminal Court granted them temporary release.

"Although the nine suspects committed illegal acts, there are no grounds to issue arrest warrants on the charge of treason. The court therefore revokes the charge of treason for all nine suspects," said the Court of Appeals' ruling.

In addition to the treason charge, which carries the maximum sentence of death or life in prison, the court dropped charges of conspiracy to commit insurrection and refusing to disperse.

Two less serious charges of illegal assembly and inciting unrest were retained.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday vowed to do his best and continue to work with patience, saying he would decide his political future when the time was right.

Somchai said his government would not try to reinstate the treason charge against the PAD leaders after the Court of Appeals' ruling. He expressed hope that the court-approved reduction of charges would pave the way for reconciliation.

The premier said his government remained ready to negotiate with the PAD in order to end political rifts.

PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul, acting on the court's revocation of the treason charges, said he was ready to surrender himself to police to face the lesser charges. He would then ask for temporary release.

Leaders of the PAD approached the police with a view to their possible surrender today, said Police Maj-General Anan Srihirun, commander of the Metropolitan Police's Division 1. He said it remained uncertain where and when the surrender would take place.

In a related development, the Central Administrative Court granted an injunction in a case filed against the prime minister and police by six PAD protesters injured in Tuesday's police crackdown.

The court ruling ordered police to follow international standards and act appropriately in dealing with protesters, and the PM and the national police chief to ensure that policemen on duty strictly follow the court's order.

Chamlong said shortly after his release from jail that the PAD would take legal action against police involved in Tuesday's crackdown and the "excessive charges" filed against the PAD leaders.

Chaiwat returned to the PAD rally site shortly after his release.

He thanked the Court of Appeals for revoking the charge of treason, while criticising the prime minister for the violent police action.

"Somchai Wongsawat is more aggressive than Samak Sundaravej. Samak had arrest warrants posted, but Somchai ordered suppression of the people," he said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-10

[Scubadude770]

Treason, Insurrection charges dropped

Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, two of the nine leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, last night returned to the PAD's protest site at Government House following their release on bail.

The Court of Appeals dropped treason and related charges against the two as well as seven other PAD leaders not yet arrested.

Chamlong and Chaiwat were freed from Bangkok Remand Prison on bail of Bt100,000 each after the Criminal Court granted them temporary release.

"Although the nine suspects committed illegal acts, there are no grounds to issue arrest warrants on the charge of treason. The court therefore revokes the charge of treason for all nine suspects," said the Court of Appeals' ruling.

In addition to the treason charge, which carries the maximum sentence of death or life in prison, the court dropped charges of conspiracy to commit insurrection and refusing to disperse.

Two less serious charges of illegal assembly and inciting unrest were retained.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday vowed to do his best and continue to work with patience, saying he would decide his political future when the time was right.

Somchai said his government would not try to reinstate the treason charge against the PAD leaders after the Court of Appeals' ruling. He expressed hope that the court-approved reduction of charges would pave the way for reconciliation.

The premier said his government remained ready to negotiate with the PAD in order to end political rifts.

PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul, acting on the court's revocation of the treason charges, said he was ready to surrender himself to police to face the lesser charges. He would then ask for temporary release.

Leaders of the PAD approached the police with a view to their possible surrender today, said Police Maj-General Anan Srihirun, commander of the Metropolitan Police's Division 1. He said it remained uncertain where and when the surrender would take place.

In a related development, the Central Administrative Court granted an injunction in a case filed against the prime minister and police by six PAD protesters injured in Tuesday's police crackdown.

The court ruling ordered police to follow international standards and act appropriately in dealing with protesters, and the PM and the national police chief to ensure that policemen on duty strictly follow the court's order.

Chamlong said shortly after his release from jail that the PAD would take legal action against police involved in Tuesday's crackdown and the "excessive charges" filed against the PAD leaders.

Chaiwat returned to the PAD rally site shortly after his release.

He thanked the Court of Appeals for revoking the charge of treason, while criticising the prime minister for the violent police action.

"Somchai Wongsawat is more aggressive than Samak Sundaravej. Samak had arrest warrants posted, but Somchai ordered suppression of the people," he said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-10

PAD wants a democracy skewed to reduce the influence of the rural masses. This would not be a democracy at all.

[sriracha john]

Back on stage

The Court of Appeal has revoked three serious charges, including insurrection, against the PAD's nine core leaders, and PAD supporters erupted in joy over their huge morale boost. Shortly after the insurrection charges were dropped on Thursday, the Criminal Court agreed to release two PAD core leaders Chaiwat Sinsuwong and Chamlong Srimuang. All nine now are expected to turn themselves in to fight lesser charges later. The moves came after the Administrative Court issued an injunction demanding police strictly observe international practices when dealing with protesters. In its ruling, the Appeal Court noted the judiciary needed to take into account the rights and civil liberties guaranteed by the constitution, in addition to the opinions of police investigators, when considering arrest warrants. The court found the police investigators' charges of insurrection against the nine PAD leaders were "vague." While the nine PAD leaders might have violated the law by orchestrating street protests culminating in the siege of Government House, there were no proper reasons to level the charges of insurrection, conspiracy to mount an insurrection, and resisting police orders. The court ruled to revoke the three charges against the PAD leaders and maintain two less serious charges of illegal assembly and inciting unrest. Chamlong and Chaiwat were given bail for the less serious charges yesterday. PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, one of the nine leaders facing arrest, said the PAD leaders would surrender to police to face the two remaining charges. Police Maj-Gen Anant Srihiran, Chief of Metropolitan Police Division 1, said the PAD leaders have contacted police and are tentatively scheduled to turn themselves in today. The government has decided not to seek a review of the Court of Appeal's decision to drop the charges against the PAD leaders, said Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua. "The government respects the court's discretion as it aims to bring peace to the country," Natthawut said. He indicated the government did not violate the law or try to intimidate the PAD which considers it as the "enemy." The injunction was greeted with delight by PAD demonstrators gathering at Government House. The protesters gave Chamlong thunderous applause when he appeared on stage last night for the first time since he was

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=131292

Edited October 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

PAD wants a democracy skewed to reduce the influence of the rural masses. This would not be a democracy at all.

If you read their proposal, you would immediately notice that they want to reduce the influence of money and corrupt politicians working for shady businessmen. Those are the guys who hold the elected power in Thailand, not the rural masses. You can't reduce influence of rural masses any lower than it is now - i.e. absolutely nothing.

[Ricardo]

PAD wants a democracy skewed to reduce the influence of the rural masses. This would not be a democracy at all.

One might ask, just how many of the "rural masses" are currently in the government or Parliament, with the PPP-led coalition ? Few or none would be the answer. They just don't have the cash or support to get elected.

The proposals by some PAD-leaders should perhaps better be viewed as ideas to provoke debate, which is generally agreed to be needed, and would at least result in some direct representatives of rice-farmers. Thaksin's political legacy, of having raised the importance of the poor, has failed to achieve this, which is why 'Peoples Power Party' is such a misnomer.

The current PAD-proposals are flawed, not least because they would be a nightmare to organise in reality, but this is a proposal by a pressure-group, not a policy-programme by a real party seeking election. Or rather, it is one of many proposals, from a group of leaders from very different backgrounds.

I wonder what the clean-hands Democrats might contribute to this debate, should it ever move beyond a white-washing exercise, to clear TRT or Thaksin of their crimes against democracy. Unfortunately any real debate has just become less likely to take place, as PM Somchai invites reconciliation on the one hand, while sending-in the border-police with tear-gas and heavier weapons against some of the people he was claiming to want to reconcile with.

[AlKing]

Isn't it odd that an individual gets released from the authorities knowing that he will go back to committing the very crimes for which he has been arrested for?

"maintain two less serious charges of illegal assembly and inciting unrest"

The court is not stupid. They know for sure that Chamlong will return to the illegal assembly. Why didn't the court impose restriction of the release that Chamlong shall NOT invloved with "illegal assembly and inciting unrest"?

I agrees totally with Thai at Heart.

[sriracha john]

PAD Leaders Turn Themselves in to Nang Lerng Police

The key PAD leaders have turned themselves in to the Nang Lerng Police this morning. The leaders have decided to turn themselves in since the court has withdrawn the charges of treason which had been filed against 9 key PAD members.

Nang Lerng Police revealed that they cannot promise that the 9 leaders will be granted bail after they have reported themselves to the police.

- TOC / 2008-10-10

[sriracha john]

Thai protest leaders surrender, seek bail

BANGKOK, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Leaders of a long-running protest in Thailand surrendered to police on Friday on charges of inciting unrest, but are expected to win bail immediately and continue their five-month campaign to unseat the government.

The Court of Appeals quashed treason charges against the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders on Thursday and freed two already in custody on bail for the lesser offence of inciting unrest, which still carries up to seven years in jail.

[sriracha john]

Thai protest leaders surrender

BANGKOK (AFP / 24 minutes ago) - Leaders of Thailand's mounting protests surrendered to police Friday on charges related to their months-long campaign to overthrow the government, an AFP correspondent witnessed.

All seven protest leaders with outstanding arrest warrants on charges of inciting unrest and illegal assembly entered a police station near their protest camp in Bangkok's historic district.

They included senior People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader and co-founder Sondhi Limthongkul.

Minutes before they arrived, PAD lawyer Suwat Apaipak confirmed that all seven would turn themselves over to police on Friday morning, and said they expected to be quickly released on bail.

"We already arranged with the police to take the seven core leaders to surrender," Suwat Apaipak told reporters at Nang Loueng police station.

The move comes days after PAD supporters and police clashed on the streets of Bangkok on Tuesday, with two people killed and hundreds injured.

Nine PAD leaders had been facing arrest on more serious charges of insurrection, but the Appeals Court on Thursday revoked the warrants on the three most serious charges, opening the way for the surrender.

Two PAD leaders had already been arrested and were granted bail by the court on Thursday.

Edited October 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[old wanderer]

I am really happy to see the Thai courts step up to the plate and throw out the sedition charges......

My best wishes and thoughts go with the leadership of the PAD.

[sriracha john]

7 PAD leaders surrender to police

Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muenkaew said he was informed that seven People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders will report to Nang Lueng district police at 10 am.

Police said Thursday that if they surrender, police will not oppose their request to be released on bail.

Six PAD leaders have surrendered to police at Nang Loeng station this morning, a day after the Court of Appeal dropped three serious charges against them, including insurrection.

Pol Lt Gen Suchart said that the seven PAD leaders told him they would surrender to Nang Lerng police at 10.00 am this morning (October 10).

The seven PAD leaders included Mr. Sondhi Limgthongkul, Mr. Phiphob Thongchai, Democrat party MP Mr. Somsak Kosaisuk, Mr. Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Mr. Suriyasai Katasila, Mr. Amorn Amornrattananont, and Mr. Therdphum Chaidee.

Pol Lt Gen Suchart said if police investigators rule to release them on bail, then they will be released. If not, he will have to reconsider the request.

He also said that there would be no violence today, following the PAD leaders’ surrender as they asked to surrender by themselves. He believed that they realized that if PAD’s significant numbers supporters show up, turmoil would definitely follow.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-10

[sriracha john]

The 7 PAD leaders have all been released on bail.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thai protest leaders granted bail

BANGKOK: The leaders of mounting protests in Thailand were granted bail on Friday after turning themselves in on charges related to their campaign to topple the government, one of the leaders said.

"The police have granted bail to all protest leaders unconditionally," said senior People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul, who turned himself in on Friday with six others.

The six of them gradually trickled out of the police station, and Sondhi said he was heading directly to the protest camp at the prime minister's Government House offices, which the PAD have occupied since late August.

No details were immediately released about the amount of bail. *if it's any indicator, Chamlong and Chaiwat were released on 100,000 baht each*

All seven protest leaders had turned themselves in on outstanding arrest warrants on charges of inciting unrest and illegal assembly.

The move comes after PAD supporters and police clashed on the streets of Bangkok on Tuesday, with two people killed and hundreds injured.

Nine PAD leaders had been facing arrest on more serious charges of insurrection, but the Appeals Court on Thursday revoked the warrants on the three most serious charges, opening the way for the surrender.

Two PAD leaders had already been arrested and were granted bail by the court on Thursday.

- AFP / 6 minutes ago

Edited October 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[Samuian]

Isn't it odd that an individual gets released from the authorities knowing that he will go back to committing the very crimes for which he has been arrested for?

No, it's polemics on your behalf which missed the target by a mile or two!

Well, first, it was clear on the day the 2 got arrested that they soon will be released...Gen.Chamlong walked into his arrest!

It's simply not "odd" because the court decided that the charges couldn't "hold the water"!

They are released on bail, there are still (minor) charges for causing public unrest and unruly/offensive behavior or such.

I really can't see as how unruly behavior and civil disobedience against a corrupt gang of self serving politicians, a set up proxy government can be labeled as "criminal".

[animatic]

PAD wants a democracy skewed to reduce the influence of the rural masses. This would not be a democracy at all.

One might ask, just how many of the "rural masses" are currently in the government or Parliament, with the PPP-led coalition ? Few or none would be the answer. They just don't have the cash or support to get elected.

The proposals by some PAD-leaders should perhaps better be viewed as ideas to provoke debate, which is generally agreed to be needed, and would at least result in some direct representatives of rice-farmers. Thaksin's political legacy, of having raised the importance of the poor, has failed to achieve this, which is why 'Peoples Power Party' is such a misnomer.

The current PAD-proposals are flawed, not least because they would be a nightmare to organise in reality, but this is a proposal by a pressure-group, not a policy-programme by a real party seeking election. Or rather, it is one of many proposals, from a group of leaders from very different backgrounds.

I wonder what the clean-hands Democrats might contribute to this debate, should it ever move beyond a white-washing exercise, to clear TRT or Thaksin of their crimes against democracy. Unfortunately any real debate has just become less likely to take place, as PM Somchai invites reconciliation on the one hand, while sending-in the border-police with tear-gas and heavier weapons against some of the people he was claiming to want to reconcile with.

If PAD provoques discussion and then progress good.

It is clear SOMETHING needs changing from the present imbroglio.

[sriracha john]

PAD leaders surrender, then go back to their stage

Seven core leaders of the PAD yesterday surrendered to police after the Court of Appeal threw out serious charges, including insurrection, against them. Turning themselves in were Sondhi Limthongkul, Pibhop Dhongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, Amorn Amornrattananont and Therdphum Jaidee. It was the first time the seven leaders had left the Government House compound since they led PAD supporters there on Aug 26 to seize the area, which they have occupied until now. The warrants for the arrest of the nine leaders were issued on Aug 27. The PAD leaders were released on bail of 100,000 baht each, except Somkiat, who does not have to face legal proceedings an MP. Three Senators _ Kamnoon Sitthisamarn, Sai Kangkawekin and Paiboon Nititawan _ agreed to pay bail for them. The seven leaders are required to report to investigators again on Oct 24. Somkiat said he intended to waive his parliamentary immunity so he can fight the court battle along with the other eight PAD leaders.

Suriyasai said the alliance will continue to seek justice for those who were killed and injured during the police crackdown on PAD protesters on Tuesday. The group demanded PM Somchai step down to show responsibility for the clash. Suriyasai criticised the government's bid to set up committees to establish the truth behind the Oct 7 violence and study compensation for victims. He said the PAD believed the National Counter Corruption Commission and the judiciary would do a better and more credible job than government-appointed panels.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/111008_News/11Oct2008_news02.php

[plachon]

PAD leaders doing the right and responsible thing by turning themselves in to face charges, yet again draws comparison to the total lack of balls and moral fortitude of the Toxic bail jumper in UK. It makes Cap'n Square Face look like a cowardly little ship rat, who not content with spreading plague and pestilence in his own land, scurries away overseas to carry on his toxic game on fairer shores. His karma is catching up though, as the man will know no happiness until he detaches himself from the political fray and quest for power. It would appear the old fortune teller in Burma was right - he's a loser in the end.

[Richard W]

PAD wants a democracy skewed to reduce the influence of the rural masses. This would not be a democracy at all.

Skewings are not unknown in democracies. In the UK Scotland is overrepresented; in Japan, the countryside is over represented. I'm not quite sure how the skewings work out in the US Senate. All three countries are considered democracies.

[jumnien]

Sondhi wants a democracy skewed towards folks with the first name "General".

[animatic]

PAD leaders doing the right and responsible thing by turning themselves in to face charges, yet again draws comparison to the total lack of balls and moral fortitude of the Toxic bail jumper in UK. It makes Cap'n Square Face look like a cowardly little ship rat, who not content with spreading plague and pestilence in his own land, scurries away overseas to carry on his toxic game on fairer shores. His karma is catching up though, as the man will know no happiness until he detaches himself from the political fray and quest for power. It would appear the old fortune teller in Burma was right - he's a loser in the end.

Well put.

This man is the true danger of our times.

Lets hope his newly elevated power in the army is not as great as HE imagines it...

Yes, no matter what, a man will try to ignore is future and remake it in his own vision.

That vision is singular and doesn't consider externals.

Regardless of the man, the future will unfold as it inevitably will.

[TAWP]

Sondhi wants a democracy skewed towards folks with the first name "General".

1) You will not use thaivisa.com to post any material which is knowingly or can be reasonably construed as false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, referencing prostitution (including bargirls and barboys), referencing suicide, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of any law.

[jumnien]

Sondhi wants a democracy skewed towards folks with the first name "General".

1) You will not use thaivisa.com to post any material which is knowingly or can be reasonably construed as false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, referencing prostitution (including bargirls and barboys), referencing suicide, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of any law.

Do tell us which "General" is a barboy? Seems like you know something we don't know!

[younghusband]

Sondhi wants a democracy skewed towards folks with the first name "General".

1) You will not use thaivisa.com to post any material which is knowingly or can be reasonably construed as false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, referencing prostitution (including bargirls and barboys), referencing suicide, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of any law.

Another wannabe moderator!

However he has got it wrong.The post in question made a lighthearted reference to Sondhi's undoubted preference for a military presence in (and influence over) the government.It's perfectly fair comment and certainly not a breach of forum rules.

[TAWP]

At least Sunrise proves he is unable to read or post properly...nice triple.

[jumnien]

At least Sunrise proves he is unable to read or post properly...nice triple.

Whilst TAWP divulges his proclivities for men in uniform! My, what a morning!

[TAWP]

Congrats for again posting something that falls under (1) again, as "knowingly or can be reasonably construed as false", as nothing in my posts indicate what you type.