A man with history of mental problems attacked Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the anti-establishment Progressive Movement, on Sunday at a book fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
He also triggered a commotion after shouting in front of hundreds of people that he had a bomb.
Police identified the man as Kanespissanuthep Jakkrapobmahadeja, also known as “K Roi-laan”, who was later charged with causing false public alarm. The suspect had been involved in a series of similar incidents before, including one in which he released snakes at the Rajprasong Intersection in February this year.
Thanathorn was doing a book signing event at the annual book fair when Kanespissanuthep came from behind and threw his arms around his neck while shouting he was armed with a bomb. The incident sent hundreds of people fleeing in fright.
Kanespissanuthep, a former real estate businessman, was quickly subdued by security guards before being taken to Lumpini police station to be charged.
Speaking to reporters later, Thanathorn, leader of the now-dissolved Future Forward Party, said he suffered some minor bruises on his neck and cheek.
Describing Kanespissanuthep as a “dangerous person”, Thanathorn said he intended to press charges against him.
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