PATHUM THANI: Prosecutors on Monday postponed their decision to Friday on whether to indict eight civil rights activists from the so-called "People Go Network" on charges related to the recent civil rights march from Pathum Thani to Khon Kaen.
The eight are charged with violating the regime's ban on political gatherings.
They are Lertsak Kamkongsak, Anusorn Unno, Nimit Tienudom, Somchai Krajangsaeng, Sangsiri Trimakka, Nuchnarot Taenthong, Ubon Yoowa and Jamnong Noopan.
They were ordered by summons to report to state prosecutors Monday.
The group started marching at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus on Jan 20. They wrapped up the 450-kilometre walk campaign, known as "We Walk", in Muang district of Khon Kaen on Feb 16.
The campaign, mobilised by civic networks and academics, was held to encourage people to share their views on issues which they view differently from the government such as food security, national resources, community rights, and freedom under the constitution.
The eight turned up at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court's Office of Public Prosecutor in Pathum Thani on schedule.
Mr Anusorn, who is also the dean of Thammasat University's faculty of sociology and anthropology, said he and seven others asked the prosecutors to interview five more witnesses, adding the process will likely take some time.
He said the prosecutors then decided to push back the date of their indictment decision to Friday.
"We have to see whether the questioning of the witnesses will be concluded by Wednesday [tomorrow]. If the questioning is still not finished by that time, it is possible there will be a further delay," Mr Anusorn said.
Suthikiat Kachaso, a lawyer for the People Go Network, complained the police had yet to question more witnesses despite earlier requests to do so.
It is possible prosecutors disagreed with police charges brought against the eight, according to the lawyer.
Mr Lertsak said the group was frustrated at the police investigation. Police failed to proceed with the matter and forwarded the probe report to the prosecutors right away, he noted.
He complained the defendants had been forced to waste time and money travelling to the attorney's office based on contradictory information from police.
Pol Capt Apiwat Kammong, a prosecutor at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court's Office of the Public Prosecutor, conceded it remains unclear whether the prosecutors would be able to decide whether to indict the eight by Friday. This depends on information forwarded by police, he said.
If the prosecutors decide on indictment, the case will be sent to Thanyaburi Provincial Court, he said. If they decide not to indict, the court will later ask the opinion of the Pathum Thani provincial chief public prosecutor.