Thailand

Protest leaders released on bail

Article published on the 2008-10-10 Latest update 2008-10-10 13:35 TU

Head of the People's Alliance for Democracy Sondhi Limthongkul
(Photo: Reuters/Chaiwat Subprasom)

Leaders of the months-long anti-government protests were granted bail on Friday after turning themselves in to police. This follows the decision by Thailand's Appeals Court on Thursday to drop insurrection charges against the nine main leaders of the protests. The leaders warn of further action aimed at overthrowing the government.

Two less serious charges of illegal assembly and inciting unrest remain.

Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, two heads of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) were arrested and granted bail on Thursday.

Seven other senior leaders of the PAD surrendered to police and were released on bail after about two hours of questioning.

"The police have granted bail to all protest leaders unconditionally," said Sondhi Limthongkul, a senior PAD leader.

Soon after his release, Somkiat Pongpaibul, another of the seven leaders promised to launch new demonstrations on 13 October to protest the recent crackdown by authorities.

"On Monday morning, PAD will send our representatives to different locations all over the country. At 10:00 am we will gather in front of the national police headquarters," he said.

A march on parliament by PAD demonstrators last Tuesday degenerated into clashes with police, leaving two peple dead and hundreds injured.