Well-known monarchy reformist Parit Chiwarak, aka “Penguin”, failed to show up at the Criminal Court yesterday to hear the verdict on a lèse majesté charge against him, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).
The new date for the reading of the verdict has been set on July 31.
Meanwhile Pakorn Pornchiwangkoon, a financial supporter of the Ratsadon activist group, in his Facebook post, wished Parit a safe journey to a “free and civilised” country.
He advised the former monarchy reform firebrand to study hard, so he can find a good job, stay healthy and wait for the “right time” to return home.
A student of Thammasat University, Parit, who is currently on bail, has been charged with lèse majesté over 20 times, the most for any individual facing a similar charge, for his calls for reform of Thailand’s monarchy.
File photo : Parit Chiwarak/AFP
