PAD leaders hear the charges against them
- Published: 30/03/2009 at 10:03 AM
- Online news: Local News
The leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) reported to hear the charges against them at the Royal Thai Police Sports Club at 9am on Monday.
Police have charged 21 people - 19 men and two women - with conspiring with more than 10 people to cause a social disturbance, obstructing police in the execution of their duty and unlawful detention of government officials.
PAD leaders Sondhi Limthongkul (left) and Chamlong Srimuang (right)
The offences relate to the siege of parliament by PAD supporters on Oct 7 last year which led to clashes with riot police who used tear gas to disperse them
The violence resulted in the death of one protester from injuries received outside the parliament. Several hundred other people were injured. Another PAD supporter died in a bomb blast that day.
Many yellow-shirt PAD supporters were present to show their support for the 21 core members and 300 police were assigned there to ensure they behaved themselves.
Those charged include media proprieter and key PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul, Pol Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Piphob Thongchai and Suriyasai Katasila.
It was reported that Somkiat Pongpaiboon did not appear to hear the charges as he is now a member of parliament and has the benefit of immunity while the parliament is sitting.
About a thousand PAD supporters from eight northern provinces were reported to be on their way Bangkok to cheer on their group's leaders, but they would try to avoid confronting the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters.
Mr Sondhi saidf after hearing the charges that the PAD had no immediate plans for a gatheroing of its supporters.
The current political problem involved the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), former prime minister and current felon Thaksin Shinawatra, army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, banned politician Newin Chidchob,and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, he said.
Not the PAD.
PAD core members nationwide would meet in May to discuss forming a political party, he said.
About the author
- Writer: BangkokPost.com
