After 17 days behind bars, Thai anti-establishment protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul was released from the Central Women’s Correctional Institute at about 8pm tonight (Wednesday) into to the embrace of her parents and a warm reception from her supporters.
The Bangkok South Criminal and Ayutthaya Provincial courts granted temporary release on bail to Panusaya, until January 12th, on the grounds that, as a student, she has to take an examination and submit reports to her lecturers.
The two courts set conditions with which she must strictly comply during her conditional release. She must refrain from joining protests which cause unrest, from activities deemed to affect the monarchy and from leaving home, except to attend university, hospitals or court.
The court also appointed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boonlert Visetpreecha as Panusaya’s supervisor during her temporary release and ordered her to wear an ankle bracelet at all times.
The court’s temporary bail follows a petition from Dr. Boonlert, who told the court that Panusaya, a fifth-year student at Thammasat University, has to take an examination by January 12th and she has to submit reports to her lecturers.
Krisadang Nutcharat, from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, said today that he was trying to have Panusaya released from remand prison today.
Rung is on trial at Bangkok South Criminal Court on lèse majesté charges for wearing a crop top at a Bangkok shopping mall on December 20th last year and at Ayutthaya provincial court in connection with a protest in the province on August 21st last year.
