Case

Case name

Sureerat (Jeab Maelao) and 2 Chiang Rai Man : Defying NCPO order

Defying NCPO order 7/2014

Name of persons / Name of Media

Sureerat (Jeab Mealao) and 2 Chiang Rai Man

Status of Accused

On bail

Offense / order

Martial Law, Defying NCPO order 7/2014

Summary

Sureerat and 2 Chaing rai man paticipated in a symbolic activity againt the coup "Eating Mac's againt the coup" at Macdonald's Ratchaprasong branch. After they was detained for 7 days, they was charged because of defying NCPO order No.7/2014.

Basic information

Background of accused

Sureerat is a leader of Mae Lao Group Loves Democracy. She has participated in various rallies with the UDD both in Chiang Rai province and in Bangkok. The activities she has cooperated with the UDD mostly were organizing the Red-Shirt stages which supported by her own fund. Besides, if there is a Red Shirts rally, Sureerat will be the person who is responsible for taking care of the UDD guards as well as the food provision for the rally. Prior to the coupt, Sureerat and Kotee had a plan to make a “Rescue Radio for Community” project.

'Chaing Rai Man 1'
He is one of members of Mae Lao Group Loves Democracy in Chiang Rai province. He has participated in several political activities such as a candle-lighting session held at Mengrai five-way intersection in Chiang Rai province on 10 January 2014, and a joint communique with Mae Lao Group Loves Democracy which opposed to the PDRC (People’s Democratic Reform Committee) and Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban.

'Chaing Rai Man 2'
He is the father of Sureerat or Jeab Mae Lao who is a leader of Mae Lao Group Loves Democracy. According to his claim, he has never participated in any political activities or either expressed opinion towards politics before.

Legal Claims

Others (gathering more than 5 people)

Form of restriction on freedom

Charge filed
Type of media

Public Assembly
Province

Chiang Rai
Court

ศาลจังหวัดทหารบกเชียงราย

Details of offence according to charge

'Sureerat'

On 25 May 2014, Sureerat allegedly organized the anti-coup activity at McDonald’s Chiang Rai Central Plaza branch which she made an early appointment with the local Red Shirts. She carried a sign with the message “No Coup”.

From: Prachatai

'Chaing Rai Man 1'
On 25 May 2014, around 6.00 p.m, he and his wife who was a leader of Mae Lao Group Loves Democracy gathered and held the anti-coup activity at McDonald’s Central Plaza branch in Chiang Rai province. In addition to the group’s fried chicken and burgers eating session, he raised a sign “No Coup” and worn a mask with “X” sign made from a black tape.

'Chaing Rai Man 2'
On 25 May 2014, around 6.00 p.m, a group of people gathered at McDonald’s Chiang Rai Central Plaza branch to eat fried chicken and burgers as well as showed anti-coup signs in order to protest against the military junta. On that day, he has accompanied to his daughter (Jeab Mae Lao) to have a meal at McDonald’s but he did not hold on any sign.

Circumstance of arrest

'Sureerat'

Plainclothes military officials and Intelligence Division officials deployed in the area to observe the activity apprehended Sureerat with intention to arrest just only her. Once she was charged, she screamed and tried to defy the arrest. The officials confiscated her smart phone then took her to their car.

'Chaing Rai Man 1'
On 25 May 2014, while he and other dissidents were implementing the activity to against the military junta, there was a military official (named Jodi) who disguised himself as a McDonald’s employee and blended in the event in order to indicate the target that was his wife to other plainclothes military officials to arrest her. By trying to help his wife from being seized, he punched one military official in the face (after that, the military punched him back in return). Thus, he was caught and taken for an inquiry.

'Chaing Rai Man 2'
While a group of plainclothes military officials was trying to arrest his daughter, Jeab Mae Lao, he enfolded his daughter in his arms to prevent her from being taken by the military officials. He consequently was brought to Mengrai Maharaj military camp for a detention.

Progress of case

25 May 2014
Sureerat made an appointment with her group regarding the anti-coup activity at McDonald’s Chiang Rai Central Plaza branch in which They was arrested few hours later. They was taken to Mengrai Maharaj military camp for 7 days. They was pictured to keep as a record for the investigation as well as for the case’s report. Then, They was sent to the official residence.

31 May 2014
Sureerat proposed a self bail in the sum of 20,000 Baht but it was denied due to the incompletion of the case’s report.

1 June 2014
They was moved to Chiang Rai Police Station and detained for about one night and as the investigation officer has not finished the case’s report yet; Sureerat would be taken to a court for requesting the first phase of detention for 12 days.

2 June 2014
They was taken to Chiang Rai Military Court for the detention. On the same day, they lawyer posted the bail for them and the court permitted to bail them out in the sum of 20,000 Baht.

10 June 2014
Around 09.20 a.m, they reported to the Chiang Rai Military Court. Everything went in order on that day. She has to report for the second phase of detention again on 13 June 2014.

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