The Bangkok South Criminal Court approved this morning (Sunday) a Lumpini police request to detain former Democrat deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi for further questioning over sexual assault allegations.
The court hearing was conducted via teleconference, with the accused and his lawyer present with the police at Lumpini police station.
Prinn and his lawyer arrived at Lumpini police station at about 8am for the hearing, to consider the police request for the accused’s detention. The session ended at about 10am, with the court granting the police request.
Prinn and his lawyer were, however, then escorted by police to the Bangkok South Criminal Court, after the accused requested bail, a hearing over which must be conducted with the accused physically present before the court.
Pol Maj-Gen Trairong Piewpan, deputy commissioner of Metropolitan Police, said today that the police in charge of handling the case will oppose bail, but will propose that some conditions be set by the court, such as a ban on leaving the country and a ban on interference with witnesses, if the accused is to be granted bail.
Three alleged victims, who claim they were sexually harassed or assaulted by Prinn, have lodged complaints with Lumpini police. Additional and similar complaints are expected, according Sittra Biabungkerd, a volunteer lawyer representing some of the alleged victims.
How a high-profile case reflects Thai society’s views on sexual harassment victims and offenders?
