For calling what was widely considered the largest political protest in years, two members of the Future Forward Party were summoned by police Sunday to hear four charges against them.
Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and member Pairatchote Chantarakhachorn were told they must appear at 10am on Friday at the Pathumwan Police Station to acknowledge four charges including blocking a railway station and using loudspeakers in public without permission.
While filing minor charges against those who organize or participate in public rallies is a common tactic, it marks the first such use of the public assembly law since Thailand’s nominal return to democratic rule since the ruling junta was disbanded.Pathumwan police issued summons for opposition leader following Dec. rally that drew thousands of protestors.
The four charges are not notifying the police in advance, blocking public entrances to the BTS Skytrain, being unable to control rally participants and using an amplified sound system without permission.
Other party members who helped lead the protest — Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, Pannika Wanich and Pita Limjaroenrat — have parliamentary immunity. Under the law, the police would have to petition the speaker of parliament to arrest them.
The peaceful, Dec. 21 rally was called by Thanathorn in response to maneuvering to dismantle his popular pro-democracy party. He has vowed to continue them in the new year.
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