Ten leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) were on Tuesday arraigned in the Dusit District Court by the prosecution for staging a rally in 2011 over the Preah Vihear temple dispute with Cambodia.
They are Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Sonthi Limthongkul, Prapan Khoonmee, Panthep Pongpuapan, Rak Rakpong or Samana Pothirak, Suriyasai Katasila, Therdphum Jaidee, Pibhop Dhongchai, Ratchayut or Amorn Sirayothinpakdi and Thossapol Kaewthima.
The prosecution stated in the indictment that on Feb 8, 2011 the 10 PAD members set up a stage that blocked traffic on Ratchadamnern Nok Avenue near Chamaimaruchet Bridge for a rally under the name of the Thai Patriots Network.
They took turns delivering speeches attacking the then-government of prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva over its handling of the dispute with Cambodia over Preah Vihear temple.
At the same time, a group of PAD members set up another stage near Makhawan Rangsan Bridge.
The two rallies were in violation of the Internal Security Act of 2008 imposed by the then government in Phra Nakhon, Pomprap Sattruphai, Pathumwan, Dusit, Wang Thonglang, Watthana and Ratchathewi districts.
The 10 PAD leaders, who denied the charges in an earlier inquiry, appeared before the court on Tuesday morning to hear the indictment.
The court ordered them to report back on April 20 for an examination of their statements. They were then released without being required to apply for bail.