On 1 June, the Criminal Court granted bail to activists Chukiat Sangwong, Anon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok, who were previously detained pending trial on royal defamation charges, on a security of 200,000 baht each with the condition that they must not participate in activities damaging the monarchy.

Anon (left) and Panupong (right) at Thammasat University Hospital after their release (Picture from TLHR)

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights(TLHR) first reported on 1 June that the Criminal Court granted Chukiat bail. Chukiat, also known as Justin, was charged under Section 112, the lèse majesté law, and Section 116, the sedition law. He has been detained for 71 days since 23 March 2021.

TLHR reported later in the afternoon that the court also granted bail to Anon and Panupong.

The conditions imposed on Chukiat, Anon, and Panupong are the same as those given to other activists released on bail, including Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, and Parit Chiwarak.

All three granted bail today contracted Covid-19 while in detention. As a result, Anon and Panupong were released in the evening from Thammasat University Hospital, where they have been receiving treatment. Meanwhile, TLHR said that Chukiat will not be released today as he still needs to request bail in two other Section 112 cases.

Anon was detained for 112 days from 9 February 2021, and Panupong for 85 days from 8 March 2021.They were charged under Section112 for a protest on 19 September.

According to TLHR, there are a total 97 people in 92 cases facing charges over expressing their political views and participating in protests. Chukiat is facing 4 counts, Anon 13, and Panupong 8.