AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

14 protest leaders indicted over last year’s rally at Democracy Monument

23 Sept 06:39 Key points summarised by AI

Thai public prosecutors have indicted 14 core members of the anti-establishment Ratsadon group for their leading roles in a mass protest at Democracy Monument in July last year.
The protest leaders, including prominent figures like Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak and Anon Nampa, face charges under Sections 116 and 215 of the Criminal Code and the Emergency Decree.
Only 11 of the 14 indicted individuals appeared at the Office of Attorney-General, with others absent due to home isolation or other ongoing legal matters.
Bail arrangements are in place, with lawyers preparing surety and several Move Forward party MPs and Thammasat University lecturers offering to lend their status for bail.
The protest, which spread across several provinces, was initially triggered by the impacts of COVID-19 and the enforcement of lockdown measures under an Emergency Decree.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.