The Criminal Court has postponed until Aug 22 its decision on whether to revoke bail for red-shirt defendants in terrorism cases for allegedly violating bail conditions.

The adjournment of proceedings was made at the request of the lawyer for Yossawaris Chuklom, alias Jeng Dokchik, one of the defendants. He asked the court to examine whether a VCD submitted as additional evidence by the petitioners for revocation of bail had been tampered with.

Mr Yossawaris said he also wanted to bring in more witnesses to testify in his defence.

The examination of the witnesses was set for Aug 22 at 9am. The decision on revocation of bail for 19 defendants will be announced the same day at 3pm.

Before the bail hearing began about 10.10am, the court announced the adjournment of its examination of the five red-shirt Pheu Thai Party list MPs until Nov 29 because they have parliamentary immunity.

They are Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Nattawut Saikuar, Weng Tojirakan, Korkaew Pikulthong,  Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai and Karun Hosakul, who is still an MP pending a final decision on his status by the court even though the Election Commission has recommended his disqualification.

The court decided to postpone the examination of the five red-shirt MPs for fear there would be legal problems since they are protected by parliamentary immunity now parliament has reconvened its ordinary session.

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Red-shirt defendants gather in front of the Criminal Court on Aug 9, 2012. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)

The 19 other defendants are: Veerakan Musikhaphong, Jatuporn Prompan, Kwanchai Sarakham, Yossawaris Chuklom, Nisit Sinthuprai, Phumkitti or Pichet Sukchindathong, Suksek or Suk Poltue, Charan Loyphun, Amnart Inthachote, Chayut Laicharoen, Sombat Makthong, Surachai Thewarat, Rachot Wongyod, Yongyuth Thuammee, Aram Saeng-arun, Gems Singsith, Sompong Bangchom, Manop Charnchangthong, and Arisman Pongruangrong.

The court today examined all of the 19 defendants and particular attention was on Mr Jatuporn and Mr Yossawaris, who testified in their defence.

The 24 red-shirts whose release on bail is at stake all turned up at the court for the hearing.

A number of opposition Democrat Party members also showed up, expecting the court to deliver its decisions today on who among the 24 red-shirt defendants in terrorism-related cases would get their bail revoked. They included Rayong MP Sathit Pitutecha, party list MP Siriwan Pratsachaksatrupai, and Ranong MP Wirat Romyen.

About 1,000 red shirts gathered outside the court in a show of support.

Police were deployed around the court to maintain law and order. There were no incidents.