A group of Pheu Thai Party politicians and supporters from Chiang Mai were taken to the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok on Wednesday on charges of sedition and distributing misinformation about the draft charter.
The action followed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's order on Tuesday as the chief of the National Council for Peace and Order suspending Boonlert Buranupakorn, president of the Chiang Mai provincial administration organisation from duty. Mr Boonlert is among 11 people charged.
Others charged included his relative Tasanee Buranupakorn, vice president of the Chiang Mai administration organisation and a former Chiang Mai MP, and Khachen Jiakkhajorn, mayor of tambon Chang Phueak.
Mr Boonlert is abroad and Miss Tasanee was already in Bangkok and instructed to show up at the 11th Military Circle.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said on Wednesday police had evidence showing that Mr Boonlert was involved in the delivery of letters deemed to be misleading about the content of the draft charter.
Maj Gen Kosol Prathumchart, peace-keeping chief in Chiang Mai, said that one of the 11, Wisarut Khunatisarn, admitted to sending the letters and was separated from the other people.
In addition to the misinformation charge, they also face charges of sedition.
Pheu Thai acting spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said this action could be seen as persecution of the regime's political opponents. He insisted that everyone had the right to distribute documents expressing their opinions on the draft charter that goes to a referendum on Aug 7.
