Complaints of treason have been made against Gen Boonlert “Sae Ai” Kaewprasit, leader of the Pitak Siam protest; People’s Alliance for Democracy (yellow shirt) leader Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang; former MP Lt Cdr Prasong Sunsiri; Dr Tul Sittisomwong, leader of the Multi-coloured-shirt group; and academic Dr Seri Wongmontha.
The complaints were laid against the five by Pheu Thai Party member Singhathong Buachum, and Picha Wijitsilpa, the party’s lawyer.
Section 116 of the Thai Penal Code mandates a prison term of up to seven years for anyone who “makes an appearance to the public by words, writings or any other means which is not an act within the purpose of the Constitution or for expressing an honest opinion or criticism in order to … raise unrest and disaffection amongst the people in a manner likely to cause disturbance in the country…”
For the other side, a civic group today (November 26) submitted a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) asking it to take legal action against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the cabinet and Royal Thai Police Commander Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkaew for improper use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The petition, filed by Bovorn Yasinthorn, chairman of the Group of Village Volunteers for the Protection of Three Institutions, said that use of the ISA must be in line with international practice to prevent infringement on the people’s rights and liberties.
The Act was invoked out of fear that the rally might turn violent. There was some pushing and shoving between police a Pitak Siam supporters, and police at one stage threw tear gas into the crowd to stop them from breaking through a barbed-wire barrier. The use of the ISA was canceled after Gen Adul briefed the PM on the situation.
Sae Ai, meanwhile, explained why he called off the protest on Saturday (November 24). He said he feared that, after “seeing that the police shoot tear gas with no reason” there might be more violence or that someone might use an M79 grenade launcher at night time.
(Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobumrung has denied the police shot tear gas, saying they only threw teargas canisters.)
Sae Ai said, “I admit that this protest failed. We [the protesters] could not urge people to care for the nation more, and we could not protect our people in the protest.
“After this, I think there may be no one to carry on this protest. I have still not given up. I have tried my best,” he said, but added that he would resign as president of the Armed Forces Academics Preparatory School Alumni Foundation.
Photos courtesy of Sai Trong Pak Sanam