Lese majeste suspect Jirawong Watthanathewasilp was taken to the Military Court in Bangkok on Wednesday, where his detention was extended for the fourth time.
Mr Jirawong was escorted to the court by warders and soldiers. He appeared stressed and kept his head bent down as he entered the premises.
The court approved his detention for another 12 days, from Nov 26 to Dec 7, pending further investigation of the charges against him.
Mr Jirawong and two other suspects, both of whom have since died in military custody, allegedly cited the monarchy in business dealings connected to the “Bike for Mom’’ and “Bike for Dad’’ cycling events.
He was later taken back to the temporary special prison at the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok’s Dusit district where he has been held since his arrest.
The Corrections Department was forced to earlier deny rumours that Mr Jirawong had also perished, following the deaths of his two alleged accomplices -- Pol Maj Prakrom Warunprapa and fortune teller Suriyan "Mor Yong" Sucharitpolwong. Mr Jirawong served as personal secretary to the late fortune teller.
The police major reportedly hanged himself in his cell on Oct 23, and Suriyan died of a "blood infection" on Nov 7 according to the Corrections Department. Both had also been detained at the 11th Military Circle.
