Taluwang group leading members, Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaimahabutra, were escorted from Chalong Krung police station to the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court this morning to have their detentions extended.
Police went to Tantawan’s house yesterday to make the arrest, after the court revoked her bail and issued a warrant, as requested by the public prosecutors. She was not at home, but was eventually taken into custody, initially at Din Daeng police station before being moved to Chalong Krung station.
Police report that Tantawan had to be carried to a police van to be transferred, because she threw herself onto the floor.
It is reported that the court initially issued a summons for her to report to Din Daeng police station to acknowledge the charges against her, but she asked for a postponement to February 20th, claiming that she had to attend class.
The police rejected her request.
Krisadang Nutcharat, a lawyer at Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, said today that he would oppose the police request for further detention of the two political activists.
Both Tantawan and Natthanon are facing multiple charges, including incitement of a public disturbance, under Section 116 of the Criminal Code, in connection with a recent incident related to the convoy of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn travelling on an expressway in Bangkok.
The two activists are accused of sounding a car horn at the Royal motorcade and trying to pursue the convoy.
Tantawan was charged with lèse majesté for allegedly conducting an opinion poll about Royal motorcades about a year ago and was released on bail.
The Royal motorcade incident has provoked widespread reaction against the Taluwang group and Tantawan from royalist groups. The most significant move is that of the alumni and current cadets of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, to offer the Princess moral support as she has taught at the academy for many years.
