100 show up in support of Dao Din group

100 show up in support of Dao Din group

Demonstrators hold hands to block security officials from stopping the protest in Khon Kaen province's municipality on June 8, 2015. (Photo by Chakrapan Natunri)
Demonstrators hold hands to block security officials from stopping the protest in Khon Kaen province's municipality on June 8, 2015. (Photo by Chakrapan Natunri)

KHON KAEN — Around 100 protesters from different groups in the Northeast have gathered at Khon Kaen's Democracy Monument on Monday afternoon in solidarity with the pro-democracy Dao Din student group.

The demonstrators, who also demanded the government solve their problems, included those from the Doon Saad environmental conservation group from Khon Kaen province's Kranuan district, the conservation and anti-mining group from Loei province and other civic groups in the region.

The seven students of the Dao Din group were due to report themselves to authorities after their bail ended on Monday.

The students, of Khon Kaen University's Law Faculty, are: Chatupat Boonyapatraksa, Apiwat Suntararak, Payu Boonsopon, Panupong Srithananuwat, Suvicha Tipangkorn, Supachai Pukrongploy and Wasant Satesit.

They were charged with violating the National Council for Peace and Order's order, which bans political expression and assembly of more than five people. The penalty is a six-month jail term and/or a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht.

The incident took place on May 22, the first anniversary of the military coup, and investigators allowed them bail for a surety of 7,500 baht each on the following day.

The case would be sent to military prosecutors and they would be tried at the military court at Military Circle 23, Patcharin Army Base, in Khon Kaen.

However, their lawyers asked for a delay, citing hearing of more witnesses.

Authorities approved a seven-day extension, after which they would be arrested if they fail to report themselves.

Some 100 security officers were deployed to guard the protesting area.

The protesters managed to wrap strips of cloth with military-like camouflage print around the monument. Security officers had tried to prevent them from doing so but the protesters held hands and barred them from coming close, resulting in a few clashes.

They also staged a political play titled "They told me to report myself".

After three hours, the protesters dispersed and left the area.

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