Anti-coup students arrested

[Lite Beer]

POLITICS
Anti-coup students arrested
ANAPAT DEECHUAY,
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- FOURTEEN anti-coup students including seven Dao Din members were arrested late yesterday afternoon after the Military Court issued an arrest warrant against them for allegedly violating an order of the junta and Article 116 of the Criminal Code, which forbids inciting public unrest.

The development came as Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said he had evidence that anti-coup student activists were backed by political groups.

A combined force of 30 police and military officers was dispatched to Suan Ngern Mee Ma, an alternative training centre owned by social critic Sulak Sivaraksa, to conduct a search and arrest the students.

At least one - Thammasat student Rangsiman Rome - flashed a three-finger salute in defiance of the military junta.

Human-rights lawyer Anon Nampa, who accompanied those arrested to Phra Ratchawang Police Station, said the group would not seek bail. He said they face the possibility of up to seven years in jail, if convicted of violating Article 116 and the NCPO order banning assemblies of five or more people.

Anon said later that the military court would be open late last night in order to process charges against the students if police finished interrogating them.

Hours before the arrest, Prayut said: "For the students who are acting [against his National Council for Peace and Order] and are linked to politics, I'm telling [you] I have all the evidence and I will press charges."

The 14 students are part of a merger between Khon Kaen-based Dao Din students and Bangkok-based anti-coup students who call themselves the Neo Democracy Movement (NDM).

Deputy PM General Prawit Wongsuwan and Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr said they had the names of the people supporting NDM and they were actively campaigning against the NCPO and might be invited for a "talk". The supporters "are the groups who are not satisfied with the government's work. I think so. But I'd like to say that we still respect them and we might ask to talk to them. We won't neglect this," said Udomdej, who would not disclose any names.

Shortly afterwards, NDM held a press conference to refute the accusations. It declared that the only group behind it was the people who supported democracy.

NDM added that over the past two days its members had been fighting with bare feet and bare hands, and had not changed underwear for three days.

"We hardly have any clothes to change in to. We have deteriorating clothes and shoes. That's all we've got," said an NDM member.

The group said the junta should look back at how coup makers in the past had fared on October 14, 1973, and October 6, 1976, and see how those military officials were ousted.

Udomdej emphasised that parents and teachers should take a good care of their children and students.

Udomdej said he could accept the students' actions over the past two days. However, he is concerned that the situation could develop into unrest. Prayut, on the other hand, said he was not worried. Many people were also against the students, he claimed.

"When they were at the Democracy Monument, many rolled down [car] windows and cursed them. But if they get hurt, they will blame the officials, saying we neglect them. The parents should take care of their children," he said.

In response, hours before being arrested, the students said that in civilised countries, freedom of expression was a major premise of education. Thus stopping students from expressing themselves would contradict the fundamental ideology of education.

On Thursday, Amnesty International called for the junta to stop taking action against |people protesting with non-violence and to investigate officials who assaulted them.

NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari told The Nation in a phone interview that |the Dao Din movement was not a big deal but more of a symbolic act. He complained that "they have never utilised any channel of communications set up by state authorities".

Winthai added that the political group tried to use any measure possible to provoke the state. He said the government would have to react carefully in accordance with the context of the situation to avoid Dao Din using the climate to expand their movement. The authorities' response had been in line with the law.

Every political group and party has been cooperative in participating in activities organ?ised by the Centre for Reconciliation and Reform, Winthai claimed.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Anti-coup-students-arrested-30263245.html

-- The Nation 2015-06-27

[Somtamnication]

Sad day for Thailand.

[zaphod reborn]

"The students said that in civilised countries, freedom of expression was a major premise of education."

In civilised countries, thinking and learning are the major premises of education.

[baboon]

I hope the brains of the junta advise the brawn to handle the matter with the most delicate of touches, lest the situation spiral out of control, causing even more damage to the framework of society.

[tbthailand]

The group said the junta should look back at how coup makers in the past had fared on October 14, 1973, and October 6, 1976, and see how those military officials were ousted.

Udomdej emphasised that parents and teachers should take a good care of their children and students.

That is an interesting juxtaposition of opposing views. One is concrete and recalls past struggles for democracy. One is silly and patronizing.

Edited June 26, 2015 by tbthailand

[baboon]

"The students said that in civilised countries, freedom of expression was a major premise of education."

In civilised countries, thinking and learning are the major premises of education.

Thinking and learning is exactly what they are doing. Pushing the boundaries, making their own mark on the world that they too inhabit, and will inherit from selfish reactionaries hellbent on preserving their own wellbeing above all else.

[tbthailand]

Every political group and party has been cooperative in participating in activities organ?ised by the Centre for Reconciliation and Reform, Winthai claimed.

living in dream-land...

[Trentham]

"The students said that in civilised countries, freedom of expression was a major premise of education."

In civilised countries, thinking and learning are the major premises of education.

If teachers and students do not have freedom of expression then good education is impossible.

Why are you being so picky??? They said it was "a" not "the" major premise.

[oneday]

I'm so glad they have arrested these horrible dangerous dissidents.

Fourteen unarmed students would have certainly toppled this wonderful government. I feel so much more secure now.

[impulse]

Yawn.

Arrest, a few cookies and milk "at the station", a stern warning, and back to class in the morning. It's been going on at campuses around the world for as long as there have been students.

Now the students have a story to tell back at the dorm.

Wake me up if they start pulling out fingernails.

[quandow]

"The students said that in civilised countries, freedom of expression was a major premise of education."

In civilised countries, thinking and learning are the major premises of education.

What ELSE would you expect coming from the Thai educational system? They haven't been taught to think . . .

[bamnutsak]

Thailand Criminal Code...feel free to ignore Sections 113, 114.

CHAPTER 2

OFFENCES AGAINST THE INTERNAL SECURITY OF THE KINGDOM

Section 113 Whoever, commits an act of violence or threatens to commit an act of violence in order to:

Overthrow or change the Constitution;

Overthrow the legislative power, the executive power or the judicial power of the Constitution, or nullify such power; or

Separate the Kingdom or seize the power of administration in any part of the Kingdom, is said to commit insurrection, and shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life.

Section 114 Whoever, collecting the forces or arms, or otherwise making the preparations or conspires to commit the insurrection, or committing any offence as the part of the plot committing the insurrection, or instigating the private persons to commit the insurrection, or Knowing that there are the persons to commit the insurrection and making any act to assist in keeping such secret intention to commit such insurrection, shall be punished by imprisonment as from three to fifteen years.

Section 115 Whoever, instigates any member of the armed forces or the police forces to desert or not to perform his duties, or to commit mutiny, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding five years. If such offence is committed for the purpose of undermining the discipline and efficiency of the said armed forces or police forces, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

Section 116 Whoever makes an appearance to the public by words, writings or any other means which is not an act within the purpose of the Constitution or for expressing an honest opinion or criticism in order:

To bring about a change in the Laws of the Country or the Government by the use of force or violence;

To raise unrest and disaffection amongst the people in a manner likely to cause disturbance in the country; or

To cause the people to transgress the laws of the Country, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

Edited June 27, 2015 by bamnutsak

[h90]

The group said the junta should look back at how coup makers in the past had fared on October 14, 1973, and October 6, 1976, and see how those military officials were ousted.

Udomdej emphasised that parents and teachers should take a good care of their children and students.

That is an interesting juxtaposition of opposing views. One is concrete and recalls past struggles for democracy. One is silly and patronizing.

yes but these Democracy fighters all stay with PAD, PDRC.....

[waitforusalso]

Even more significant was the gathering of support after the arrest. It won't take much before this turns into 10's of thousands. Fingers crossed.

[aircut]

[deleted]

Edited June 27, 2015 by aircut

[Partenavia]

Interesting to see the amount of effort the authorities have invested in arresting students who were essentially doing nothing more than voice their opinions. If you then compare the efforts they make in addressing issues such as Corruption and Human Rights abuses. Then I suppose the students weren't rich, and are easy targets.

[Srikcir]

2007 Constitution, Part 13, “Right to Protect the Constitution,” Article 68 states:

“No person shall exercise the rights and liberties prescribed in the Constitution to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State under this Constitution or to acquire the power to rule the country by any means which is not in accordance with the modes provided in this Constitution. “

Thailand Criminal Code...feel free to ignore Sections 113, 114.

CHAPTER 2

OFFENCES AGAINST THE INTERNAL SECURITY OF THE KINGDOM

Section 113 Whoever, commits an act of violence or threatens to commit an act of violence in order to:

Overthrow or change the Constitution;

Overthrow the legislative power, the executive power or the judicial power of the Constitution, or nullify such power; or

Separate the Kingdom or seize the power of administration in any part of the Kingdom, is said to commit insurrection, and shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life.

Section 114 Whoever, collecting the forces or arms, or otherwise making the preparations or conspires to commit the insurrection, or committing any offence as the part of the plot committing the insurrection, or instigating the private persons to commit the insurrection, or Knowing that there are the persons to commit the insurrection and making any act to assist in keeping such secret intention to commit such insurrection, shall be punished by imprisonment as from three to fifteen years.

Section 115 Whoever, instigates any member of the armed forces or the police forces to desert or not to perform his duties, or to commit mutiny, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding five years. If such offence is committed for the purpose of undermining the discipline and efficiency of the said armed forces or police forces, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

Section 116 Whoever makes an appearance to the public by words, writings or any other means which is not an act within the purpose of the Constitution or for expressing an honest opinion or criticism in order:

To bring about a change in the Laws of the Country or the Government by the use of force or violence;

To raise unrest and disaffection amongst the people in a manner likely to cause disturbance in the country; or

To cause the people to transgress the laws of the Country, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

Section 113 also includes anybody who commits treason by overthrowing the country's constitution faces the maximum penalty of death.

2007 Constitution, Part 13, “Right to Protect the Constitution,” Article 68 provides No person shall exercise the rights and liberties prescribed in the Constitution to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State under this Constitution or to acquire the power to rule the country by any means which is not in accordance with the modes provided in this Constitution.

Are you then by your citations accussing the Junta of crimes against the Thai people? If not then you are being duplicitous.

[lildragon]

So the marches for an increase in minimum wages the other day went forward unhindered, these students get arrested. If you ask me BOTH were political yet it is only the people directly opposing the junta that get 'attitude adjusted'. I thought the rule was for ANY kind of political gathering? Nice double standards shown here.

Something, something 7% blaa blaa blaa

[Srikcir]

If Article 116 was the controlling law for the students behavior, then they should be arrested by the police to answer to the Criminal Courts.

The fact that the NCPO requires them to appear before a military court supercedes due process of law under the criminal code of justice. The students will be tried for their disobediance to Junta imposed law and not for any crime AGAINST the Thai people.

Welcome to the Junta's Reform of Justice.

[bamnutsak]

Are you then by your citations accussing the Junta of crimes against the Thai people? If not then you are being duplicitous.

Neither, just wanted to provide the relevant article (116) from the Criminal Code, which is referenced in the OP.

The Junta already granted themselves blanket Amnesty against any sort of criminal (articles 113, 114) or civil charges, and this Amnesty was Royally endorsed.

There is no rule-of-law here (unless you are poor, red-shirt), just rule-by-law.

[Bakseeda]

If it is true and these students are being backed by political parties, they should be punished to the full extent of the law, especially if they are getting paid..! If they are genuine and protesting from the heart, first they should ask their own countrymen why they sold their very valuable votes for 500 bahts. They should try to teach the older folks what democracy really means....

They should organise a strong student body and take up talks with the present government .

But no, they look for publicity... who is the publicity for..! A certain man in Dubai maybe..

There will be free and fair elections within the next 2 years... patience young men..! Get your education first ..

[phoenixdoglover]

Hours before the arrest, Prayut said: "For the students who are acting [against his National Council for Peace and Order] and are linked to politics, I'm telling [you] I have all the evidence and I will press charges."

Forget about "the law". The PM has spoken.

[graemeaylward]

Heroes, every one of them. Standing up for what they believe in and wishing to express it. Yes they knew the consequences but freedom of beliefs and the right to express those beliefs is paramount in any democracy. Repression is not the answer as it only strengthens resolve. Hopefully the seed has now been sown by these brave, intelligent young people who want to have a say in the future of their country! I wish them good fortune and hope that others will continue this peaceful fight.

[waitforusalso]

If it is true and these students are being backed by political parties, they should be punished to the full extent of the law, especially if they are getting paid..! If they are genuine and protesting from the heart, first they should ask their own countrymen why they sold their very valuable votes for 500 bahts. They should try to teach the older folks what democracy really means....

They should organise a strong student body and take up talks with the present government .

But no, they look for publicity... who is the publicity for..! A certain man in Dubai maybe..

There will be free and fair elections within the next 2 years... patience young men..! Get your education first ..

Delusion!

[yardrunner]

If it is true and these students are being backed by political parties, they should be punished to the full extent of the law, especially if they are getting paid..! If they are genuine and protesting from the heart, first they should ask their own countrymen why they sold their very valuable votes for 500 bahts. They should try to teach the older folks what democracy really means....

They should organise a strong student body and take up talks with the present government .

But no, they look for publicity... who is the publicity for..! A certain man in Dubai maybe..

There will be free and fair elections within the next 2 years... patience young men..! Get your education first ..

Their may be elections held in the next two years but it depends on your definition of free and fair and what rules are put in place for the election to prevent one or another political party forming the next goverment

[Lite Beer]

“Dao Din” defiant students remanded in prison

BANGKOK: -- The 14 defiant student activists of the so called "Dao Din" group were remanded in Bangkok Special Prison after the Bangkok Military Court granted permission to the police 's request for the extension of their detention for 12 days.

They were rounded up by police and soldiers yesterday after they continued to defy the military junta’s ban of political gathering.

Their arrest followed the issuance of arrest warrants by the Bangkok Military Court.

The student activists were charged with illegal assembly of more than five people in defiance of the order of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to incite unrest or rebellion among members of the public.

The maximum penalty is three years imprisonment.

They refused to seek bails as they were detained at Phra Ratchawang police station.

They also rejected the charges, and instead tried to file charge with the police against the military junta for depriving their right of expression.

Shortly after midnight last night, the police later escorted them to the prison to serve the first extension of detention for 12 days.

The 14 were identified as Rangsimun Rome, Wasant Setsitthi, Songtham Kaewpanpruek, Payu Boonsophon, Apiwat Sunthararak, Ratthapol Suppasophon, Supachai Phuklongploy, Apisit Sapnapapan, Panupong Srithananuwat, Suvicha Phitangkorn, Pakorn Areekul, Chatupat Boonthararkasa, Pornchai Yuanyee and Ms Chonthicha Jaengraew.

The student activists have been arrested by the police for defying the orders of the National Council for Peace and Order.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/dao-din-defiant-students-remanded-in-prison

-- Thai PBS 2015-06-27

[BigBadGeordie]

Yawn.

Arrest, a few cookies and milk "at the station", a stern warning, and back to class in the morning. It's been going on at campuses around the world for as long as there have been students.

Now the students have a story to tell back at the dorm.

Wake me up if they start pulling out fingernails.

Would you care to offer another comment now in light of Post #27?

[lucky11]

Sad day for Thailand.

I think it's a good day for Thailand - get them off the street.

Bunch of lazy wasters intent on stirring up trouble.

[lucky11]

Even more significant was the gathering of support after the arrest. It won't take much before this turns into 10's of thousands. Fingers crossed.

How do you know that they are not celebrating their arrest? I am!!

[waitforusalso]

Even more significant was the gathering of support after the arrest. It won't take much before this turns into 10's of thousands. Fingers crossed.

How do you know that they are not celebrating their arrest? I am!!

Because they are not fascist <deleted>.