Two political activists were detained briefly by the police Monday for announcing their intention to carry out a symbolic gesture of protest at the residence of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Ekkachai Hongkangwal and Chokchai Phaiboonratchata were taken way from a house on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 109 in Bang Kapi district at about 5.45am, said a source.
Mr Ekkachai posted earlier on Sunday on his Facebook account his intention to travel to Gen Prawit's residence on Soi Lat Phrao 71 Monday, as a Thai New Year bathing rite was held.
It was attended by a large number of guests including high-level security officials and some cabinet ministers, said the source.
In the Facebook post, Mr Ekkachai said he planned to turn up and give Gen Prawit a wristwatch-shaped garland, in apparent reference to an ongoing luxury watch scandal involving the deputy premier.
The source told Bangkok Post that both activists were initially taken to the entrance of Soi Ramkhamhaeng 109 for talks.
Police later took them to the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's Division 4 after Mr Chokechai refused to cooperate and caused a commotion by running onto Ramkhamhaeng Road and standing amid oncoming traffic.
The police interview resumed about 9.30am and everything seemed fine until Mr Chokchai lost his temper when he was told why he and Mr Ekkachai were not allowed to visit Gen Prawit's residence during the bathing rite, said the source.
In a fit of anger, he broke two computers and a TV screen worth 50,000 baht in total in the room where the talks were conducted.
The police had to charge Mr Chokchai for damaging property, the source said.
Some time after that, Arnon Nampha, another political activist, and lawyer Nattha Mahatthana were seen arriving at the building, said the source.
They disappeared inside an interrogation room and reemerged about 11am, along with Mr Ekkachai and Mr Chokchai, the source added.
Mr Ekkachai told reporters he and Mr Chokchai had simply been invited by the police for talks and were then released.
He said the police had decided not to pursue legal action against Mr Chokchai for breaking the computers because the machines were quite old.
Mr Ekkachai insisted he would carry out more political movements.
"I posted my planned moves every time but no officer came to my house until this time, when I mentioned that would be going to Gen Prawit's place," he said.
"So, that's why I think Gen Prawit may even be more important than the entire government."
Ms Nattha, the lawyer representing both activists, said her clients did not violate any law.
She said she has been monitoring the way the police have handled their case.
Meanwhile, a group of VIPs went to Gen Prawit's residence to attend the Songkran bathing rite, which was conducted with a merit-making ceremony, said another source.
Among the guests were Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, his wife and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, said the source.
As he left the residence by car about 9.10am, Gen Prawit rolled down a window and responded to the wai gestures performed by the waiting reporters with a Thai-style gesture of greeting and a smile.
He declined to give any interviews.
Gen Prawit failed to show up at Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda's residence for a Songkran ceremony last week because he was having a medical checkup overseas, supposedly for a heart complaint.
