Protesters flash a three-fingered symbol during a rally in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, March 24, 2021, ahead of indictment against protest leaders on Thursday for allegations of sedition and defaming the monarchy. (AP PHOTO / SAKCHAI LALIT)
BANGKOK – Five Thai activists were indicted on Wednesday on charges of attempted violence against the queen during a pro-democracy demonstration last year, when a royal motorcade encountered dozens of protesters.
Their lawyer Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen said prosecutors indicted the five under a section of the law that carries a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison for violence or attempted violence against the queen, heir-apparent or regent.
“I did not have such intentions, nor was I trying to do so. I’ve reaffirmed these facts over the past few months,” said one of the accused, Bunkueanun “Francis” Paothong, 21.
More serious breaches of the same law can result in life imprisonment, or a death sentence if an act is likely to endanger their life.
I did not have such intentions (of attempted violence against the queen), nor was I trying to do so. I’ve reaffirmed these facts over the past few months.
Bunkueanun “Francis” Paothong, one of the five accused protesters
Others include Suranat Panprasert, 35, a coordinator for a youth group, Ekachai Hongkangwan, 45, and two others. All have denied the charges and are seeking bail.
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The case centers on an encounter at the height of anti-government demonstrations last year when Queen Suthida’s convoy passed through a group of protesters on Oct 14.
Video from the incident showed police pushing protesters away from the queen’s car.
“We are just hoping for bail because we did not do anything wrong. We had no idea the royal convoy was coming,” Ekachai said.
Anti-government protesters that emerged last year demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and broke longstanding taboos by openly calling for reforms of the powerful monarchy.
The Royal Palace has not commented directly on the protests since they began last year.
There are currently 19 Thai youth activists in jail having been denied bail. They face a litany of charges, including sedition, while 12 of them are also charged with lese majeste, or insulting the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Poonsuk on Wednesday told reporters her clients were not protest leaders and would not repeat offences.
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“We hope the court will see that the five defendants are not a flight risk,” she said.