Five former leaders of the now defunct United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), otherwise known as the ‘red-shirt’ movement, were sentenced to four years and four months in prison today by the Criminal Court, for leading the violent protests against the government of then prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva between January 31 and April 13, 2009.
During that period, red-shirt protesters blocked the entrances and exits of Government House to disrupt the government’s operations. Some protesters also laid siege to the residence of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, then the president of Privy Council, in an attempt to force the resignation of three privy councilors, including Prem.
Natthawut Saikua (C) talks to reporters
The protesters engaged in fierce battles with soldiers, ordered by the government to quell the protests and to restore peace. Some protesters set fire to buildings in Bangkok, including the Central World shopping complex at Ratchaprasong intersection, and several provincial halls.
Some protesters, allegedly led by Arisman Pongruangrong, who is now living in exile in Cambodia, laid siege to a hotel in Pattaya where the ASEAN Summit was to take place, forcing the meeting to be cancelled and the ASEAN leaders to fly out of Pattaya.
The five ex-UDD leaders convicted and sentenced today are Veerakan Musikapong, Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua, Dr. Weng Tochirakan and Adisorn Piengket.
Five other leading members of the movement were each sentenced to four months in jail. They are Sira Pimklang, Viphuthalaeng Pattanapoomthai, Pipatchai Paibul, Payab Punkate and Methee Amornwutthikul.
Two others, namely Narongsak Maee and Pongphichet Sukchindathong were acquitted.
One defendant, Phira Pringklang, died during the trial.
The five convicted former leaders were later granted bail, after they each posted a 200,000 baht bond, on the condition that they must not leave the country without permission from the court.
The five other convicts were also granted bail, set at 50,000 baht each.
