A resident of Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, who is facing a lèse majesté charge in his home province, was arrested by Pahonyothin police in Bangkok today (Wednesday), as he staged a solo protest in front of the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court to demand the release of Ratsadon leaders and followers being held in remand prisons, also on lèse majesté charges.
The man, identified as Mongkol Thrakhote, was later escorted to Pahonyothin police station for questioning, before he is to be sent back to police in Chiang Rai province.
Dechochai Iamchit, a lawyer from the center of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, said that Mongkol had insisted on giving his statement to police in Pan district of Chiang Rai, where he is facing the lèse majesté charge, adding that a lawyer from the centre there will provide the suspect with legal counsel.
Pol Maj-Gen Assavayuth Nuchpoom, acting commander of 2nd division of Metropolitan Police Bureau, said that Mongkol is currently out on bail on charges of encroachment and causing damage to the other people’s property in Chiang Rai.
