Activists plan rally ahead of verdict in Premchai trial

Activists plan rally ahead of verdict in Premchai trial

The Kanchanaburi Provincial Court will on March 19 give its ruling on the case involving Premchai Karnasuta, who is accused of hunting illegally in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)
The Kanchanaburi Provincial Court will on March 19 give its ruling on the case involving Premchai Karnasuta, who is accused of hunting illegally in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)

A group of activists calling themselves "T'Challa" will hold a rally on March 17, two days before a court rules on a case involving construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, who is accused of hunting illegally in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi last February.

The group issued a statement on Tuesday to mark one year since the arrest of Mr Premchai, president of Italian-Thai Development Plc, and three others on the night of Feb 4 on suspicion of illegal hunting activities in the sanctuary, also a Unesco World Heritage site.

The group said that the aim of the rally is to remind the public that the slaughtered animals will not be forgotten.

However, the group did not give details regarding the venue of the planned rally. The Kanchanaburi Provincial Court will give its ruling on the case on March 19.

The date was set after the court wrapped up hearing testimonies from all the witnesses. The trial began in late November.

The case made headlines last year when Mr Premchai and three associates -- Yong Dodkrua, Thanee Thummat and Nathee Riamsaen -- were arrested in the wildlife sanctuary.

They were found with the carcasses of several animals, including a rare Indochinese black leopard.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (2)