In Chiang Mai today, officials at the provincial prison turned down a request, from a group of lecturers and students, to be allowed to visit two protest leaders on remand there, Anont Nampa and Prasit Khrutharoj, claiming that they must be accompanied by the detainees’ lawyers.
The two are on remand for 12 days, pending police investigation, on charges of sedition related to a protest rally at Tha Pae Gate on August 9th.
Chiang Mai police also rejected their request for information on the number of protesters in custody with Anont, claiming that such information is confidential.
In Bangkok, the Criminal Court denied a bail application by Patiwat Saraiyaem today, a key protester, charged with inciting unrest at the protest rally at Thammasat University and Sanam Luang on September 19th.
The judge said that the charges carry stiff penalties on conviction and, if the suspect were to be granted bail, he may attempt to escape.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Medical Science at Siriraj Hospital of Mahidol University issued a statement appealing to the protesters and the Government to use only peaceful means to resolve their differences and to maintain mutual respect for the rights, liberties and opinions of all sides.
The faculty also confirmed that its medical personnel will treat all patients who arrive for treatment equally, without regard for their political affiliation.
