AMID a heavy turnout of supporters three People’s Party leaders and the Nonthaburi New Generation leader showed up at Nonthaburi police station to acknowledge charges filed against them under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, Sanook.com reported today (Dec. 8, 2020).
The three People’s Party leaders, Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike, and Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, are facing three cases under this law while Mr. Shinawatra Chankrachang, or Bright, leader of the Nonthaburi New Generation, is facing one case with these arising from the September 10 rally at Nonthaburi pier entitled “Nonthaburi People will not Tolerate Dictatorship.”
Two vehicles fitted with amplifiers were parked in front of the police station and used as a temporary stage.
Penguin said police must not send them to be detained because after initially saying they would and news about this spread on social media, the police station head Pol. Lt. Col. Sihadet Sakopkaew clarified that this would not be done.
He urged his supporters to keep an eye on what the police do today, pointing out the legal action is not just against the four of them but all the people who want Section 112 abolished and to reform the monarchy.
Mike pointed out that Section 112 does not in fact exist as an international principle and the government is using it as a tool to bully the people, mentioning that the charges are being filed today even though the rally in question took place some time ago.
Penguin added that Section 112 is used for political bullying and he was in fact the first person to be charged with violating this law with people he is not acquainted with in some provinces, such as Trang, Loei and Phitsanulok, doing so. But he has found out they are all followers of Mr. Suthep Thungsuban’s Action Coalition for Thailand Party.
He asked whether or not this is evidence of political bullying to go by the roots of this party.
Asked whether the movement will start fizzling out if several leaders are prosecuted, Penguin said if there would one impact it would be the drawing of more people to this movement.
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The four protest leaders and their supporters at Nonthaburi police station this morning. Photos: Sanook.com
