Police will prosecute seven anti-junta protest leaders and their financial backers, whose names will be revealed along with arrest warrants.
Deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said on Tuesday that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) filed a complaint with the Pathumwan police station in Bangkok against the seven leaders of the pro-election demonstration on Saturday and police would summon them to acknowledge charges.
Pol Gen Srivara also said that more people would face charges as part of the ongoing investigation. Thai media reported they faced at least two charges -- violating the NCPO order banning assembly of more than five people (up to six months in jail) and Section 116 of the Criminal Code on sedition (up to seven years in jail).
Police would look for the 'masterminds' and providers of financial support, and reveal their names along with the arrest warrants, he said.
"We have a general idea who the supporters are. Rallies have occurred in 5-6 places, and the people are involved are old faces," the deputy national police chief said.
On Monday NCPO's legal affairs officer Burin Thongpraphai filed the complaint with police at the Pathumwan station. The complaint targeted Rangsiman Rome, Sirawich Seritiwat, Nattha Mahatthana, Anont Nampha, Ekachai Hongkangwan, Sukrit Piansuwan and Netiwit Chotipatpaisal.
They were accused of resisting the NCPO's ban against political gatherings of more than five people.
Their most recent demonstration took place on Saturday at Pathumwan intersection, and called for the next general election to take place before the year ends.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said on Tuesday that security authorities were obliged to maintain order, and he would personally take charges of the situation if such demonstrations continue.
The Democracy Restoration Group posted on New Democracy Movement Facebook the core leaders would continue to hold its weekly activity on Feb 10 at the Democracy Monument as planned.
