A total of 96 leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), including Sondhi Limthongkul and Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, appeared in the Criminal Court today for the first hearing of charges over the seizure of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports in 2008.
The court set April 29 as the date for the first hearing of witnesses.
There are currently 114 defendants in the case. Of the total, 96 have been indicted on terrorism and other charges, including violation of the emergency decree, in eight groups.
Of the remaining defendants, four of them - Suriyasai Katasila, Maleerat Kaewka, Praphan Khoonme and Pichit Chaimongkok - were scheduled to report to the court today to acknowledge the charges.
Amarin Khoman, a defendant, asked the prosecutors to gather more evidence and has not acknowledged the charges.
Karoon Saingam, also a defendant, also did not acknowledge the charges. The court will issue a summons for him to appear, a court official said. If he still does not show up after being summonsed twice, a warrant would be issued for his arrest, the official said.
Veera Somkwamkid, also a defendant, is currently serving time in a prison in Cambodia after being found guilty of spying and illegal entry.