Thai Court’s Unexpected Move: Bail Granted to Protest Leaders!
What just happened? A Bangkok judge gave the green light to two activists who have been caught up in a legal swirl for allegedly “insulting” King Bhumibol. After spending weeks locked up, they’re finally free on bail.
Why the buzz?
- High-profile charges: Accusations of slapping the king give the case a royal‑tune of drama.
- Freedom on the line: In Thailand, a person can’t be held indefinitely without trial — the court’s decision kicks it off.
- Political ripple effects: These activists head the anti‑government protests where the country’s colorful political landscape plays out.
Inside the court drama
When the judge opened the case file, he said the evidence wasn’t strong enough to keep them locked up: “We’ve got to let them breathe.”
What’s next?
They’ll be on conditional bail — meaning no pants are officially required for the Thai law spirit but monitored closely. The court will reassess after the trial later this year.
Something to remember
Even in a monarchy, the judicial system can flip the script. It’s a reminder that the law? It’s not just about royal decrees, but also about justice and freedom.
<img alt="" data-caption="Arrested anti-government protester and singer Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan, also known as "Ammy The Bottom Blues", looks over his shoulder upon arrival at the criminal court to face lese majeste charges in Bangkok, Thailand, March 15, 2021.
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Freedom With a Fair Warning: A Tale of Two Thai Protesters
In a surprisingly restrained decision, the court has granted Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak (22) and Chaiamorn “Ammy” Kaewwiboonpan (32) their liberty but under a handful of pretty strict terms. They’re set free for now, but must:
- Stay within Thailand’s borders
- Show up for any court summons on cue
- Avoid any actions that could damage the monarchy or stir up unrest
This is all a bit of a win‑but‑not‑free‑fall for the duo. Their bail had been declined a few times and, at the core of their woes, come swirling around acts of protest last year that dared push the limits of what’s allowed when speaking about the monarchy.
Specifically, Chaiamorn faces charges of lese majeste—the Thai law that threatens up to 15 years in prison for each offense. He’s also accused of burning a portrait of the king back in February. Meanwhile, Penguin’s case also keeps him on the court’s radar, largely for the same protests that ruffled feathers across the nation.
For the pair, it feels a mix of reliving a personal victory while walking a tightrope: a little freedom, a bit of liberty, but the moment you cross a line and you’re back to square one.
<img alt="" data-caption="Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak shows a three-finger salute from an ambulance as he is released, outside Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok, Thailand, May 11, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”ec0efa4d-69db-4799-a51c-086a2b294144″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20211105_protest%20leader%20released%20in%20ambulance_reuters-2.jpg”/>
Parit’s Health Crisis After 46‑Day Hunger Strike
After a 46‑day hunger strike, Parit ended up in the hospital two weeks ago. The authorities are now blaming sedition and insulting the monarchy for his actions.
Bail Hearing for Panupong “Mike” Jadnok Gets Postponed
Panupong, another activist, had his bail hearing scheduled for Tuesday, but the court put it on hold while waiting for the results of his coronavirus test.
Student‑Led Demonstrations Push for Monarchy Reform
What used to be considered impossible—calling for reform of Thailand’s monarchy—is now the headline of student protests. Many conservatives still hold that the monarchy is untouchable, but the demonstrations are proving otherwise.
Key Charges Against Parit
- Sedition
- Insulting the monarchy
Who’s Really Running Thailand?
In a blockbuster move that reads more like a mystery novel than a political shake‑up, the new Thai leadership pushed for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan‑ocha. He’s no ordinary leader: a former army chief, a stalwart royalist, and the man who first seized the throne during a 2014 coup.
Pulling the Plug: What the Critics Are Saying
- Prayuth stayed in charge after a 2019 election that many argue was crafted specifically to keep him in power.
- Despite the backlash, he insists that the election was conducted fairly and his position is legitimate.
Why This All Matters
The demand for his resignation isn’t just about a single individual—it signals a larger shift in Thailand’s political landscape. It’s a reminder that the balance of power here can be as fluid as the Bangkok traffic during rush hour.
Breaking: A Protest Hero Gets Out While Others Linger—Covid Is the Ultimate Hangover
Last week, the Thailand courts finally set Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul free after a grueling eight‑week stint behind bars. The 22‑year‑old, a full‑time agitation wizard, faced serious charges—eking the king’s name, you could say—yet she managed to snag her liberty. Rung wasn’t the only rebel on the docket; she famously joined forces with Parit Klanthai in a daring hunger strike that would put most diet plans to shame.
Still In The Housing—With a Sneeze
Two other protest stalwarts are stuck in the same concrete jungle. Arnon Nampa, a human‑rights lawyer who can probably think on one hand, and Chukiat “Justin” Saengowng, a charismatic prankster who probably thinks “justice” is a snack, remain detained. In a twist that would make a headline on a Tuesday, both have caught the COVID bug while on the inside.
- Arnon Nampa: still hunkering down, wrestling with the virus’s “mood swings.”
- Justin Saengowng: probably still trying to turn a sneeze into a comedy sketch.
So, while Rung enjoys the sweet taste of freedom, the rest are facing a reality check—or a reality COVID—it’s not just a matter of politics. The courtroom drama continues, the activists linger, and the corona is none the wiser.
