Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan was freed on Tuesday after the Criminal Court finally approved his bail after seven requests.
On Oct 11 last year, the Criminal Court revoked bail for Mr Jatuporn, chairman of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), after ruling he had breached his bail conditions in a terrorism case brought against him and 23 other UDD core leaders.
The court agreed with prosecutors comments Mr Jatuporn made on UDD-sponsored Peace TV, YouTube and other public media, insulted others, distorted information and contributed to disorder.
The court had dismissed six petitions filed by lawyer Winyat Chatmontri at the request of Mr Jatuporn over the past three months, saying it saw no reason to alter the previous order. But the court eventually showed mercy in Mr Winyat’s latest plea with 600,000 baht in cash as a surety on Tuesday.
The court said it was convinced that the outspoken Mr Jatuporn had repented after being locked up at Bangkok Remand Prison for three months and would not breach bail conditions. Mr Jaturporn has four young children and has never been a flight risk.
The Corrections Department hospital also confirmed he had been treated for septicaemia and urinary tract infection.
The court granted Mr Jatuporn on the condition that he must not leave the country without permission. It stressed that his bail would be revoked and no more release granted if he does not comply with the release conditions.
After being released, Mr Jatuporn addressed his supporters for the first time on Facebook Live, saying he would go to hospital again because the doctors told him his conditions could develop into cancer. He would also keep a low profile.
“The important thing after this is to treat myself [from the illness]. While I'm treated at hospital, missions regarding people’s grievances will be assigned to other UDD brothers…. I thank you all, “ the UDD chairman said.
“Once I recover and become healthy like before, I will ‘cautiously’ talk to you because the court has told me to and I must be vigilant.”