Thanathorn: Joined with Activists gathered in front of Pathum Wan Police Station

On 24 June 2015, 7 activists including Rangsiman, Songtham, Ratthapon, Abhisit,  Pakorn, Chonthicha, Pornchai went to Pathum Wan Police Station to report a case against police who physically assaulted them during the crackdown of a protest in occasion of 1st anniversary of 2014 Coup at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center (BACC) on 22 May 2015. The 7 activists were placed under arrest warrant of the Bangkok Military Court for defied order of the head of NCPO no. 3/2015 no.12 which prohibited the political gathering of 5 people and above.

7 activists of Dao Din Group who gathered in Khon Kaen Province on 22 May 2018 against the coup showed up in front of the Pathum Wan Police Station to show their solidarity. The 7 Dao Din activists also shared the same fate as they were also faced the same legal charge in Khon Kaen. Furthermore, about 50 to 60 friends, teachers and active citizens also presented to showed their support and observe the incident.   

 

The incident in front of Pathum Wan Police Station on 24 June 2015 turned to be a small protest. the 7  activists cannot went inside the police station because they were under arrest warrant, if they enter in to the station they will be arrested, the activists then asked their lawyer to went inside but the police refused the lawyer's complaint claiming that the injured persons should come to report the case by themselves.

The police also set up blockade surrounding the station to prevent unauthorized person from enter in to the premise. The protest lasted until almost 10 pm. after the police allowed the activists who were assaulted to report the case and promise that they will not arrest anyone on the date. Initially, there was no legal action take against activists for incident on 24 June 2015.    

 

Four years later, under atmosphere of the election, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of Future Forward Party received a summon to acknowledge Sedition charge at the Pathum Wan Police Station on 6 April 2019. It was revealed later that the accusation was from the incident on 24 June 2015 where Thanathorn was presented at the scene. The police later summoned other activists including 14 activists and two more friends to be in the same case. In total 17 persons were summoned to acknowledge charge in this case.