Case

31 October 2015

 

On 31 October 2015, the 9th Anniversary of death of Nuamthong Praiwan, the taxi driver who committed suicide as a protest against the 2006 coup by hanging from the footbridge in front of Thairath office, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. At the break of the dawn, black banner stated “Nuamthong has not died, Dictator will perish, May Democracy prosper” and a model of Nuamthong were hanged on the footbridge near Soi Ramkhamhaeng 53 by unknown people while the flyers were being spread.

 

 

Around 09.00, at the pillar memorial of Nuamthong Priwan in front of Thairath office, UDD leaders, 24 June Democracy Group and some people left flowers as a tribute and remembrance. During the activity, around 40 police and military officers and plainclothes were on and around the footbridge. 

 

Around 14.30 an event in memoriam of Nuamthong Praiwan, organized by Resistant Citizen group, was held at 14 October Memorial, Khok Wua Intersection. There are about 150-200 attendees while the authorities from Chanasongkram police station set a division nearby.

 

Around 16.00, the protesters prepared to march from 14 October memorial to the Royal Thai Army Headquater. Pol.Col. Attawit Saisueb, Metropolitan Commander 1, prohibited protesters from wearing Nuamthong Praiwan’s masks that the organizers distributed, stating that it violates the Public Assembly Act 2015 Section 16(2). 

 

Around 16.25, the protesters reached Ratchadamnoen boxing stadium with 50-100 police and military officers. Organizers came to negotiate with the officer to cross the road to Royal Thai Army Headquarter, but the officer rejected saying that it was against the previous condition and the Public Assembly Act 2015. Even the press are not exceptive from the Public Assembly Act.

 

The police then announced that the gathering was limitted only 30 minutes otherwise it will be a violation of the assembly condition and can be an offense. The protesters proceeded the activities by making speech on military reformation by Pakawadee Weerapasapong. Other activities included reading Nuamthong Praiwan’s suicide letter by Pansak Srithep (the member of Resistant Citizen group, 1 minute of standstill, and singing a song. The amplifiers were used at that time before the activities in front of the Royal Thai Army Headquater finished at 17.00.

 

 

5 November 2015

 

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reported that around 14.00 Pol.Col. Attawit Saisueb, Metropolitan Commander 1, summoned Arnon Nampa to Nangloeng Police Station on behalf of the Resistant Citizent group who organized an event called ‘Commemoration of Nuamthong Chonkongthap’ on 31 October 2015 in front of Royal Thai Army Headquater. Anon is a representative of the group who submitted a letter to inform the local police about the activity under Public Assembly Act. The police allowed an activity but provided many conditions including not usng amplifliers while marching.

 

After an event, Pol.Col. Sompoch Suwancharat, superintendent of Nang Loeng station, accused Arnon Nampa as the organiser of the event for violating the Public Assembly 2015 by using the amplifiers without the permission.

 

The officer stated that on 31 October 2015, during 16.00-18.00, the attendees gathered at the memorials then march to Ratchadamnoen boxing stadium before moved to the Royal Thai Army Headquater while using the amplifiers. Pol.Col. Sompoch Suwancharat supervised the assembly. Though the activity went smoothly and peacefully, the activists did not ask for permission of using the amplifiers. 

 

Arnon Nampa admitted the charge. He agreed to pay the fine. Nangloeng officer imposed 200 baht fine, then the case was discontinued.