Fifteen leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday reported to the Criminal Court to hear charges in two cases related to yellow shirt anti-government protests in 2008.
Some of the 15 People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) figures, past and present, indicted at the Criminal Court in Bangkok yesterday. They were indicted for trespassing at Government House and laying siege to parliament during their anti-government protests in 2008. Among them are Somsak Kosaisuk, front, and Suriyasai Katasila, far right. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN
In the first case, 20 PAD members are accused of laying siege to parliament. In the other case several of those accused of the parliament siege have also been indicted for intruding into Government House along with one other PAD member.
The 15 who reported to the court yesterday included Suriyasai Katasila, 40, and Somsak Kosaisuk, 67.
PAD lawyer, Puangthip Boonsanong, said Sondhi Limthongkul, a yellow shirt leader, and five others had reported to the court earlier.
All 21 defendants connected with the two cases had now reported to the court to hear the charges against them, Ms Puangthip said.
Mr Sondhi, Mr Suriyasai and Mr Somsak were named in both cases, and denied the charges.
Those accused in the parliament seizure case were released on bail of 200,000 baht each, while those in the Government House case were bailed on 150,000 baht each. The court also warned them not to instigate further disturbances.
Examination of witnesses has been set for April 29.
Other accused who reported to the court yesterday were Amorn Amornrattananont, 53, Samran Rodphet, 55, Sirichai Mai-ngam, 52, Sawit Kaeowan, 51, Phichit Chaimongkol, 32, Amnat Palamee, 47, Kittichai Saisa-ard, 48, Prayuth Veerakitti, 58, Suchart Srisang, 53, Somboon Thongburan, 56, Suppol Iammethawee, 54, Anchalee Paireerak, 48, and Phichet Phattanachote, 59.
Prayuth Sattayarak, executive director of the Office of the Attorney-General, said he would seek the court's permission to combine the cases against the 15 accused yesterday and the six core PAD leaders indicted recently.