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BANGKOK: Thai authorities filed new legal proceedings against a pro-democracy protest leader on Thursday after criticising a decision by the court that held the prime minister in office.
Moreover, on Wednesday, the kingdom’s constitutional court ruled that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha was not guilty of a conflict of interest by staying after leaving the military in an army home.
Around 5,000 demonstrators who took to the streets were upset by the decision. Student leader Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak urged the crowd to lift their middle fingers at the judges, defying a court warning against “vulgar” criticism.
On Thursday, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, a court representative filed a contempt case against him. They are citing his Facebook posts and speeches on stage.
It is the latest legal challenge to the protest movement led by young people that has shaken Thailand since July. They are calling for the resignation of Prayut, constitutional reform, and reforms to the once untouchable, ultra-rich monarchy.
In addition, under the strict royal defamation laws of the kingdom, five protest leaders, including Penguin, have been charged with barring any criticism of the king and his relatives.
And there have been more than 170 other demonstrators convicted, almost 50 of “sedition”. Also, it can bring a seven-year prison term.
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‘Middle finger’ gesture lands Thai protest leader in trouble
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