Protest leaders Parit Chiwarak, Anon Nampa, Panupong Jadnok and Jatupat Boonpattararaksa were again denied bail, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).  The four have already spent 3-4 months in jail pending trial.

A judge uniform burned to protest the bail rejection.

A bail request was submitted to the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court on 17 December.  The court considered the matter on the same day.  On the 24th, it ruled to leave its former order unchanged out of concern that the four, if released, would commit the same offences again.

Protesters who marched from the Lat Phrao Intersection to the Court in support of the bail request expressed disappointment over the ruling. Thatchapong Kaedam, another prominent figure in the protest movement, said that next year, the people will continue to call for change and the intensity of the demonstrations will escalate.

The protesters then burned a judge uniform and the Criminal Code textbook and sprayed paint all over the Court entrance area.

During the bail hearing last week, the four detainees affirmed that, if released, they would abide by previous Court conditions to not engage in any activities damaging to the monarchy, take part in protests causing public disorder, flee the country, or violate Court-mandated travel restrictions.

According to the TLHR database, Parit and Anon have been issued with 10 detention requests stemming from 10 charges, 9 of which involve alleged lese majeste violations.  The two have been in jail since 9 August 2021. Jatupat, who was also jailed on 9 August, is facing 4 detention requests based on 4 charges, 1 an alleged lese majeste violation.  Panupong was imprisoned on 23 September and is facing 4 detention requests based on 4 charges, 3 of which involve allegations of lese majeste.

In addition the four, at least 16 more people are being detained pending trial or police investigation of their participation in political protests and confrontations with the police over the past year.