Following a motion from the inquiry officer at Samranrat Police Station to revoke bail for human rights lawyer Anon Nampa and student activist Panupong “Mike” Jadnok, the Bangkok Criminal Court ruled to revoke Anon’s bail and increase the security for Panupong.

Anon arriving at the Criminal Court on Thursday morning (3 September) 
(Source: Banrasdr Photo)

Anon and Panupong were arrested on 7 August and accused of sedition and violation of the Emergency Decree, among other charges, for their participation in the mass protest at the Democracy Monument on 18 July. They were held in police custody for one night and released on bail the next day with 100,000 baht as security. The Court also banned them from repeating the actions similar to those they were accused of.

The inquiry officer at Samranrat Police Station later filed a motion to have their bail revoked, claiming that, since Anon and Panupong have continued to participate in and speak at demonstrations, such as the demonstration at Thammasat University on 10 August, the Criminal Court’s condition has been violated.

At 16.25 today (3 September), the Criminal Court ruled that Anon’s speech at the demonstration in Chiang Mai on 8 August and the demonstration at Thammasat University on 10 August are considered the same as the action at the 18 July protest for which Anon is being charged. The Court therefore ruled to revoke Anon’s bail, but did not prohibit him from seeking bail again.

Anon said that he will not be seeking bail, as he believes that the law is being used to prevent his activism. He has also told the Court that he believed it is his right to give speeches.

“I am willing to sacrifice my personal freedom to safeguard my ideals. I think what is happening to the people is wrong,” Anon said.

Panupong arriving at the Criminal Court on Thursday morning (3 September)
(Source: Banrasdr Photo)

Meanwhile, the Court ruled to increase Panupong’s security to 200,000 baht and ordered him to report to the Court in 15 days. His bail will also be revoked if he fails to do so. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said that Panupong did not post more security money as required and, like Anon, he will not be seeking bail this time.

At 17.20, Anon and Panupong were being taken to Bangkok Remand Prison. TLHR said that court officials prevented their lawyers and family members from seeing them before they left, and that the car they are being taken to prison in left the court from a gate where supporters were not waiting.