Eleven Thai Protest Leaders Denied Bail

[Buchholz]

Following Red Shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong's open letter urging UDD supporters to continue fighting and to set up a government in-exile, Mr Suthep said the government is monitoring the anti-government movement. Eluding the authorities, Mr Arisman escaped being served his arrest warrant and his present location remains unknown.

Mr Suthep expressed his appreciation for the remarks of the new UDD chairperson, who pledged to carry out a peaceful struggle, but he said the release of detained protest leaders as demanded by the UDD depends on the consideration of police investigators.

-- TNA 2010-12-02

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai MP surrenders on terrorism charges

Pheu Thai MP Vichian Khaokham on Thursday surrendered himself to acknowledge his charges related to terrorism triggered by the red-shirt rally from April to May.

After reporting to the Department of Special Investigation, Vichian claimed parliamentary immunity to secure his temporary release.

He cited his hernia surgery as reason to postpone his surrender for more than three months.

DSI director general Tharit Pengdit said after notifying charges, the next step involving Vichian was to forward the investigative report for prosecution review.

Should the prosecutors decide to try him, the MP would have to undergo the remand hearing and his bail would be decided by the judicial review, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-11-18

... link to picture removed

If a hernia prevented MP Vichian to report to the DSI it seems valid to assume he also didn't attend any sessions of parliament, PTP, etc. He was home or in hospital on sick leave ?

No mention of a hernia in earlier reports:

June 8, 2010

UDD Lawyer Karom Polthaklang added that two other red-shirt leaders wanted by the authorities, Suporn Attawong aka Rambo Isaan and Vichian Khaokam are in hiding, but will surrender themselves once the emergency decree is lifted.

August 18, 2010

Mr Jatuporn, a rabble rousing MP, also confirmed that he, along with Pheu Thai MPs Karun Hosakul and Vichian Khaokham, would show up at the Criminal Court on Thursday, as required by law. The three have been alleged of inciting terrorism in the recent political unrest.*

* Vichian never showed up

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) sent their investigation results to the Attorney-General on Pheu Thai Party MP Vichian (or Wichian as other sources transliterate it) today and recommended that he be indicted on terrorism charges.

Wichian also went to the Attorney-General office calling for summons to be issued for additional witnesses.

He again emphasized that he had not yet previously surrendered to authorities because of health problems.

.

Edited December 3, 2010 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

fugitive red-shirt leader Arisman Pongreungrong has penned an open letter on the internet asking the group's supporters to keep fighting

-- Tan Network 2010-12-02

The Reappearance of “Government in Exile”

The term “government in exile” has been missing from the Thai lexicon for some time now, but today red shirt leader and fugitive Arisaman Pongruangrong has returned the phrase to the Kingdom's vocabulary.

Arisaman's open letter, surfacing on November 30 via Thai E-News online and Prachathai's web board, cited no details other than his message and was posted with a caution from the online portals for readers to use their best discretion, hinting at the questionable validity of his statements.

The content of the letter continued the original rhetoric of the red shirt leaders, warning of the evils of Thailand's aristocrat run government and denouncing its murder of citizens.

Arisaman states that there is no hope for reconciliation as the government continues to hunt and imprison members of the red shirt movement, calling the state's daily assurances lies.

Arisaman called the Constitution Court's dismissal of the Democrat party dissolution case the “planting of a time bomb”, similarly labeling the upcoming People's Alliance for Democracy rallies.

The red shirt leader, allegedly hiding out in Cambodia, explained that the PADs gathering would pave the way for a bloody military coup.

A third “time bomb”, according to Arisaman is set to go off on a global scale, with Thailand's elite to order the killing of all that oppose their rule.

The movement core-chief asserted that a government in exile must be formed and allies must be acquired from amongst the international community. He warned that if such a body was not formed, the Thai public would be left at the mercy of the aristocracy.

Whether the open letter is the actual work of Arisaman has yet to be verified, the wording of the letter is undoubtedly in the spirit of the red shirt leader. Moreover though, it is interesting to note the emergence of the “government in exile” call, a demand that was once voiced by fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Though the concept of Thaksin or Arisaman establishing a government in exile may seem aggressive, in practice it may actually turn their thus far formless and subversive movement into a concrete stance. By assembling into an official order, the red shirt group's exiled leaders would show the world that they are serious in taking the helm of Thailand, not only at overthrowing the government. So the real question arising from this latest post turns out to be, why has no government in exile actually been announced?

Kom Chad Luek, December 3, 2010

Translated and Rewritten by Itiporn Lakarnchua

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-03

[whybother]

From above:

The movement core-chief asserted that a government in exile must be formed and allies must be acquired from amongst the international community.

OK. Who's up for forming a new Thai government in exile? Prerequisites are that you can't be Thai.

Maybe we could also get together an Australian government in exile, based in Bangkok, made up of Thais.

[Buchholz]

Arrest Warrants Sought for 11 Red-shirt Hardliners

The Department of Special Investigation has asked the Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for 11 red-shirt hardliners wanted on terrorism charges before the Emergency Decree is lifted in the remaining provinces.

Department of Special Investigation, or DSI, officer Police Colonel Thawan Mungkung has asked the court to approve arrest warrants for 11 red-shirt hardliners, including Arisman Pongruangrong, Adisorn Piangket, Police Colonel Waipot Apornrat, Payup Punket and Sakda Kaewpuknak, for inciting and supporting terrorist activities.

The arrest warrants for the 11 are being requested at this time due to the fact that the state of emergency may be canceled in Bangkok and three surrounding provinces soon.

The Emergency Decree automatically gives law enforcement officers the authority to immediately arrest and detain individuals deemed a threat to national security.

Without the decree, arrest warrants will be needed to pursue the 11 suspects still on the run.

Metropolitan Police Division 3 Commander Police Major General Sanit Mahathaworn has also separately asked the Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for the 11 individuals.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-16

[rubl]

For those who forgot who these UDD protest leaders are, here a picture with some of them:

[rubl]

For those who forgot who these UDD protest leaders are, here a picture with some of them:

Forgot to add this:

As the military used armoured personnel carriers and bulldozers to crush shelters inside the Red Shirts encampment, its leaders called for calm and surrender.

“We cannot resist against these savages anymore,†Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompam said from a stage inside the protest zone.

As the crowd booed, Prompan pleaded: “Please listen to me: Brothers and sisters, I will use the word ‘beg.’ I beg you. We have to end this for now.â€

[Buchholz]

arrest warrants for 11 red-shirt hardliners, including Arisman Pongruangrong, Adisorn Piangket, Police Colonel Waipot Apornrat, Payup Punket and Sakda Kaewpuknak

For those who forgot who these UDD protest leaders are, here a picture with some of them:

More specifically, from the article:

Arisman Pongruangrong (right)

Adisorn Piangket

Payup Punket

Other Reds not mentioned in the article, but who remain fugitives:

Suporn Atthawong (seated, having his hair cut by Arisman Pongruangrong)

Kanyapak Maneejak

Jakrapob Penkair

Aree Krainara

Shinawat Haboonpad (who legally changed his given name)

.

[Buchholz]

The full list of the 11 issued arrest warrants are Arisman Pongruangrong (pictured above), Suporn Atthawong (pictured above), Adisorn Piengket (pictured above), Former Thai Rak Thai Party MP Police Lieutenant-Colonel Waipote Arpornrat (pictured above), Chulalongkorn Hospital Raider Payup Panket (pictured above), Shinawat Haboonphat (pictured above), Aree Krainara (pictured above), Party Leader of deceased rogue general Sae Daeng's Khattiyatham Party Surapat Chanthima, Annop sae Tan, Sakda Kaewphooknak, and Red Shirt Bomber suspect Mongkol Sarapan.

.

Edited December 17, 2010 by Buchholz

[Ricardo]

Wonder who the UDD would propose, for President, of their 'government-in-exile' ?

Would it not be better for them to start working to support 'their' political-party, currently the PTP, in readiness for the coming elections ? Or, if they're unhappy with the recent performance/inactivity of the PTP, to form their own new political-party, as the PAD did ?

Rather than reviving unhelpful & divisive failed-ideas like this one.

[Buchholz]

The full list of the 11 issued arrest warrants are

Party Leader of deceased rogue general Sae Daeng's Khattiyatham Party Surapat Chanthima

Wonder who the UDD would propose, for President, of their 'government-in-exile' ?

Would it not be better for them to start working to support 'their' political-party, currently the PTP, in readiness for the coming elections ? Or, if they're unhappy with the recent performance/inactivity of the PTP, to form their own new political-party, as the PAD did ?

Can't forget the other Red party listed above.

[Buchholz]

Thai Court Issues Arrest Warrants for Red-shirt Leaders

2010-12-17 20:58:32 Xinhua Web Editor: Jiang

Thailand's criminal court on Friday issued arrest warrants for five leaders of anti-government "red-shirt" movement. The warrants were requested by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for Arismant Pongruangrong, Suporn Atthawong, Adisorn Piengket, Waipote Arpornrat, and Payap Panket.

The DSI on Thursday requested the court to issue warrants for 11 "red-shirt" leaders. However, the court turned down the request for the other six as there was insufficient evidence to support such warrant at the moment. The DSI has charged them for committing or supporting terrorism under the Penal Code.

Continues:

http://english.cri.cn/6966/2010/12/17/189s610715.htm

Xinhua - December 17, 2010

[Buchholz]

New warrants on terrorism charges out for five Red Shirt leaders

BANGKOK, Dec 17 - Thailand's Criminal Court on Friday issued new arrest warrants against five out of 11 Red Shirt leaders on charges of terrorism and supporting terrorism during the anti-government rally in May as sought this week by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

The court decision came as the DSI investigator Pol Lt-Gen Thawan Mangkang on Thursday submitted a request to the court seeking new arrest warrants for 11 members of the Red Shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) for supporting terrorism under the emergency decree for their alleged involvement in violence during the Red Shirt rally in May.

Arrest warrants were earlier issued for all 11 suspects under the emergency decree. As the government plans to lift the emergency decree soon, warrants issued under the special law will in effect be revoked, which Gen Thawan said will be an obstacle to the police investigation of the suspects.

The state of emergency, expected to be lifted before year end, is now enforced in Bangkok and adjacent provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.

The five people with the new arrest warrant on terrorism-related case include Arisman Pongruengrong, Suporn Atthawong, Adisorn Piengket, Pol Lt Col Wipoj Apornrat, and Payap Punket.

The court reasoned that the five Red Shirt leaders are among 35 suspects earlier indicted for their role in terrorism related cases, but dismissed warrant requests for the remaining six activists as prosecutors are now considering whether to indict five of them on the case. Investigation is still underway for one suspect.

The six who will be freed from warrant on terrorism charges once the state of emergency is revoked are Shinawat Haboonpat, Aree Klainara, Acting 2nd Lt Supat Chantima, Annop Saetan, Sakda Kaewpooknak and Mongkol Saraphan, but Gen Thawan said after the court ruling that he will seek warrants for the six persons once prosecutors indict them.

-- TNA 2010-12-17

[phiphidon]

arrest warrants for 11 red-shirt hardliners, including Arisman Pongruangrong, Adisorn Piangket, Police Colonel Waipot Apornrat, Payup Punket and Sakda Kaewpuknak

For those who forgot who these UDD protest leaders are, here a picture with some of them:

More specifically, from the article:

Arisman Pongruangrong (right)

Adisorn Piangket

Payup Punket

Other Reds not mentioned in the article, but who remain fugitives:

Suporn Atthawong (seated, having his hair cut by Arisman Pongruangrong)

Kanyapak Maneejak

Jakrapob Penkair

Aree Krainara

Shinawat Haboonpad (who legally changed his given name)

.

So, in the interests of impartiality are you going to re release the images of those who who have had arrest warrants issued that are accused of terrorism in light of recent events?

[hanuman1]

Impartiality seems very thin on the ground in these threads. It appears to be a most precarious position to take.

Edited December 17, 2010 by hanuman1

[Ricardo]

The full list of the 11 issued arrest warrants are

Party Leader of deceased rogue general Sae Daeng's Khattiyatham Party Surapat Chanthima

Wonder who the UDD would propose, for President, of their 'government-in-exile' ?

Would it not be better for them to start working to support 'their' political-party, currently the PTP, in readiness for the coming elections ? Or, if they're unhappy with the recent performance/inactivity of the PTP, to form their own new political-party, as the PAD did ?

Can't forget the other Red party listed above.

Indeed. And like the NPP this new party may even someday get a couple of MPs elected, but their usefulness in the broader-picture is surely as tiny-but-vocal pressure-groups, helping keep the major-parties a touch more honest ?

An interesting topic for another thread might be, who does his daughter hold responsible for her father's untimely assassination, just when he was blowing the whistle so publicly & clearly, on the self-exiled former-PM's close-involvement with the deteriorating-situation in Bangkok.

[Buchholz]

arrest warrants for 11 red-shirt hardliners, including Arisman Pongruangrong, Adisorn Piangket, Police Colonel Waipot Apornrat, Payup Punket and Sakda Kaewpuknak

For those who forgot who these UDD protest leaders are, here a picture with some of them:

More specifically, from the article:

Arisman Pongruangrong (right)

Adisorn Piangket

Payup Punket

Other Reds not mentioned in the article, but who remain fugitives:

Suporn Atthawong (seated, having his hair cut by Arisman Pongruangrong)

Kanyapak Maneejak

Jakrapob Penkair

Aree Krainara

Shinawat Haboonpad (who legally changed his given name)

So, in the interests of impartiality are you going to re release the images of those who who have had arrest warrants issued that are accused of terrorism in light of recent events?

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question. Could you explain please?

[Buchholz]

Suporn Atthawong AKA Issan Rambo

Arrest Warrants Out for 5 Red-shirt Leaders

The Criminal Court has approved arrest warrants requested by the Department of Special Investigation against five of 11 red-shirt leaders wanted on terrorism charges.

The Department of Special Investigation, or DSI, yesterday sought the Criminal Court's approval for arrest warrants for 11 key red-shirt members.

The Criminal Court earlier today approved arrest warrants for five red-shirt hardliners, namely Arisman Pongruangrong, Adisorn Piangket, Police Colonel Waipot Apornrat, Payup Punket and Sakda Kaewpuknak, for inciting and supporting terrorist activities.

The court rejected the DSI's request for arrest warrants against six other red-shirt leaders, reasoning that prosecutors are still considering whether they should be indicted on terrorism charges.

The six include Shinawat Habunpad, Surapat Chantima, Annop Sae Tan, Sakda Kaewphooknak and Mongkhol Sarapan.

As for Aree Krainara, who played a key role in commanding the so called "red-shirt guards", the court said there was not enough evidence against him since the investigation report has yet to be submitted to the public prosecutors.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-17

[Buchholz]

PM Abhisit announced today that the government would not assist 7 Red Shirt Leaders currently incarcerated with their bail.

The government will instead focus on assisting the Red Shirts charged with lesser offenses and are in need of bail resources.

The seven detained Red Shirt Leaders are Weng Tojirakarn, Korkaew Pikulthong, Natthawut Saikua, Kwanchai Praipana, Yoswaris Chuklom, Nisit Sinthuprai, and Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai.

.

Edited December 28, 2010 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

It seems Interim Red Shirt President Thida is going to apply for bail for 7 of the Red Shirt Leaders today at 3 Million Baht apiece.

[Buchholz]

Interim Red Shirt President Thida has completed the filing for bail by depositing 21 Million Baht as collateral for the release of the 7 Red Shirt Leaders.

Also, former Red Shirt Chairman Veera, who himself is out of jail on a 6 Million Baht bail, visited his fellow Red Shirt Leaders in jail.

[Buchholz]

Court rejects bail request for 7 red-shirt leaders

The Criminal Court Tuesday rejected the new request of lawyers of seven red-shirt leaders for their release on bail.

The court reasoned that the Appeals Court has already rejected the bail application of the seven red-shirt leaders and there is no new reason for changing the decision of the court.

The latest bail request was coordinated by Thida Thavornset, the caretaker chairperson of the red-shirt movement.

One of the seven detained leaders is Weng Tojirakarn, Thida's husband.

-- The Nation 2011-01-04

[Buchholz]

Little Britain's Carol Beer (played by David Walliams) says it best:

[Buchholz]

Court denies bail for seven leaders

The Criminal Court yesterday denied for the third time the temporarily release of seven red-shirt leaders held on charges of terrorism in connection with the bloody riots in April and May last year.

The court cited a lack of fresh arguments or evidence. The defence said it would appeal within 15 days.

The seven detainees are Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Kokaew Pikulthong, Nisit Sinthuprai, Kwanchai Praipana, Wiphuthalaeng Phattanaphuthai, and Yoswarit Chuklom, also known as Jeng Dokjik.

Red-shirt leader Thida Thawornseth said the protest rally planned for Sunday would take place as scheduled despite the setback.

The defence had appeared optimistic the seven would be set free this time, as the Law Society of Thailand had joined the defence team to help prepare the bail applications.

Thida arrived at the court carrying Bt21 million in cash to post as bail for all seven.

Documents were submitted highlighting new reasons for unlocking the seven, including the lifting of emergency rule and reports from human rights advocacy groups in favour of temporary release.

Statements of support were also presented from the Rights and Liberties Protection Department and the Kanit panel in charge of seeking truth and reconciliation related to the riots.

The defence recounted that the first request was rejected based on the possibility bail might be broken due to the serious crimes and punishment involved.

The Appeals Court confirmed the lower court's decision by citing flight risk.

On October 14, bail was again turned down on grounds of no changes in the situation.

For yesterday's review, the defence contended that there was no longer any justification to keep the seven in remand since the state of emergency had ended, signaling the resumption of normalcy.

It pledged to post Bt3 million as surety for each of the seven or meet any conditions required by the court to allay the concern about fleeing.

In a separate bail application submitted by red guard Pichet "Phumkitti" Chindathong, the Appeals Court ordered the lower court to reconvene a hearing on its rejection of bail.

Pichet, facing terrorism and related charges, had filed a fresh argument to the higher court, citing his heart ailment as grounds for release. The upcoming hearing will determine whether his illness warrants bail.

-- The Nation 2011-01-05

[Buchholz]

Red-shirt Lawyer Lists 200 Witnesses for Unrest Case

A lawyer says some 200 individuals will be presented as eyewitnesses for red-shirt elements charged with terrorism.

The Criminal Court today examined evidence on terrorism charges prosecutors of the Special Litigation Division 1 filed against 19 red shirt people, including its three leaders Veera Musikapong, Nutthawut Saikua, and Jatuporn Prompan, who is also a party list MP of Pheu Thai Party.

The indictment stemmed from their roles in the political protests and consequent riots between March and May last year.

Apart from the charges of terrorism, the 19 suspects are also prosecuted for allegedly violating the Emergency Decree and inciting chaos.

Nutthawut, who has been held on remand since the crackdown on the red-shirt protests in May last year, came to court along with three of his co-defendants, Jatuporn, Pheu Thai Bangkok MP Karun Hosakul, and Veera.

Red-shirt group's lawyer Karom Polthaklang said some 200 people will be presented as his clients' eyewitnesses for the trial while other two defendants Weng Tojirakarn and Korkaew Pikulthong, who are still detained, could name more witnesses.

Karom also stated a bail request for the remaining detained red-shirt elements will be deliberated more carefully before it is resubmitted after the Appeals Court has rejected the previous petition seeking a temporary release of one of them, Phumkiti Sukjindathong.

Meanwhile, a number of red-shirt protesters gathered at the court to give moral support to their leaders amidst tight security provided by a police commando unit.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

Edited January 17, 2011 by Buchholz

[whybother]

What are the witnesses actually going to say? "I didn't see or hear them do anything" ???

[rubl]

Court denies bail for seven leaders

begin removed ...

Thida arrived at the court carrying Bt21 million in cash to post as bail for all seven.

... end removed

With the government having provided bail for some common red-shirts incarcerated upcountry, maybe these THB 21M could be used to bail out a few more. Some have it there are still hundreds jailed and awaiting their process to commence. May be those hundreds are not in k. Thida's UDD red-shirt faction, but in one of the other five or six? Maybe having only UDD leaders in jail is of lesser propaganda value than having hundreds ?

Edited January 17, 2011 by rubl

[Buchholz]

Court denies bail for seven leaders

begin removed ...

Thida arrived at the court carrying Bt21 million in cash to post as bail for all seven.

... end removed

With the government having provided bail for some common red-shirts incarcerated upcountry, maybe these THB 21M could be used to bail out a few more. Some have it there are still hundreds jailed and awaiting their process to commence. May be those hundreds are not in k. Thida's UDD red-shirt faction, but in one of the other five or six? Maybe having only UDD leaders in jail is of lesser propaganda value than having hundreds ?

The 21 million baht was only for use by the Red Shirt Leaders. The others don't matter [is the inference by Thida's apparently rather large bag of cash (21,000 one-thousand baht notes) and that none of it has been offered to use to bail any one that wasn't a Leader].

.

Edited January 17, 2011 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Red-shirt Lawyer Petitions for New Judge in Unrest Case

A lawyer representing the red-shirt group says his team will seek a change of the judge responsible for the terrorism case against the group's elements, claiming bias.

He also disclosed some 200 individuals will be presented as witnesses for red-shirt figures charged with terrorism.

The Criminal Court today examined evidence on terrorism charges that prosecutors of the Special Litigation Division 1 filed against 19 red-shirt people, including its three leaders Veera Musikapong, Nutthawut Saikua, and Jatuporn Prompan, who is also a party list MP of the Pheu Thai Party.

The indictment stemmed from their roles in the political protests and consequent riots between March and May last year.

Apart from the charges of terrorism, the 19 suspects are also being prosecuted for allegedly violating the Emergency Decree and inciting chaos.

Nutthawut, who has been held on remand since the crackdown on the red-shirt protests in May last year, came to court along with three of his co-defendants, Jatuporn, Pheu Thai Bangkok MP Karun Hosakul, and Veera.

The red-shirt group's lawyer Karom Polthaklang said some 200 people will be presented as his clients' witnesses for the trial while two other defendants, Weng Tojirakarn and Korkaew Pikulthong, who are still detained, could name more witnesses.

Karom also stated a bail request for the remaining detained red-shirt elements will be deliberated more carefully before it is resubmitted after the Appeals Court has rejected the previous petition seeking a temporary release of one of them, Phumkiti Sukjindathong.

Meanwhile, a number of red-shirt protesters gathered at the court to give moral support to their leaders amidst tight security provided by a police commando unit.

Karom also said the group's legal team will file a petition with chief judge of the Criminal Court, Boon Thapanadul, asking for a change of the judge responsible for the case against the red-shirt elements.

He said the present judge presiding over the case has not given the accused a chance to counter their allegations and failed to run the trial in a transparent manner as he has turned down the group's request for permission to sit in the hearings.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

[Buchholz]

The indictment stemmed from their roles in the political protests and consequent riots between March and May last year.

Any movement or progress on the indictment that stemmed from their roles in the riots of Black Songkran, April 2009?

Or indictment that stemmed from their roles in riots of July 2007???

Hearing Set for 2007 Red-shirt Protest Case

The Criminal Court has scheduled October 5 for a hearing against red-shirt leaders in the case of the July 2007 protest at the house of the Privy council president.

Three red-shirt leaders, namely Nutthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, and Wiputhalaeng Patthanaphumthai, were taken from the Bangkok Remand Prison to the Criminal Court for a hearing into their alleged roles in the chaos at the residence of Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda in July 2007.

Another red-shirt leader, Veera Musikapong, was earlier charged in the same case.

The first hearing for the prosecution witnesses has been scheduled for October 5. The court will first hear 25 of 58 witnesses to be presented.

TAN - August 23, 2010

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1033815