Court renews detention of unrest ‘plotters’
The Bangkok Military Court has extended the detention period for two suspects linked to the “Khon Kaen Model” insurrection plot for another 12 days to enable further inquiries.
The authorities had asked for detention to be extended for Pol Sgt Maj Prathin Chanket, 60, and Natthaphon Na Wanle, 26. They are being held at the temporary jail in the 11th Military Circle’s compound on lese majeste charges under the Criminal Code’s Section 112 and for violations of the Computer Crimes Act.
An initial investigation found they allegedly devised a secret plot on social media aimed at instigating violence in Bangkok and upcountry as well as assassinate important government figures.
The two are among a group of nine suspects wanted on the same charges. Warrants for their arrest have been approved by the military court.
Apart from Pol Sgt Maj Prathin, and Natthapol, three other suspects — Wanlop Boonchan, Pahiran Kongkham and Chatchai Sriwongsa — have been also detained. Another three — Pissanu Promsorn, Meechai Muangmontree and Veerachai Chamontree — are still at large.
The other suspect, Thanakrit Thongngernperm, has been detained in Khon Kaen prison since last year, following a crackdown by soldiers on members of the Khon Kaen Model group, which pledged to protect former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra during street protests in 2013 and 2014.
Winyat Chartmontree, human rights lawyer for the Khon Kaen Model suspects, did not oppose further detention. However, after meeting the suspects at the facility, also known as Khwaeng Nakhon Chaisi temporary prison, he demanded they receive better treatment.
Meanwhile, the Bangkok Military Court also granted police permission to detain Jirawong Watt han a the wasilp, alias Art, a lese majeste suspect, for another 12 days for further inquiries. His fourth 12-day detention period will expire on Monday.
Police took him to the court yesterday to apply for an extension because Monday is a holiday.
Mr Jirawong was arrested along with Suriyan Sucharitpolwong, a well-known fortune-teller also known as Mor Yong, and Pol Maj Prakrom Warunprapa on lese majeste and other related charges, both of whom died in military custody.