Still persecuting opponents

Sombat: dangerous opponent

Prachatai has two stories, seemingly unrelated, but both indicative of the fact that the Abhisit Vejjajiva government is repressive to the core, hounding those perceived as political opponents with legal cases (that’s what Abhisit means when he speaks of the “rule of law”).

The emergency decree was lifted in Thailand more than a month ago. However, that hasn’t prevented the continued persecution of red shirt activists. According to Prachatai, Sombat Boonngamanong has “received a second indictment for violating the emergency decree.”

This is clearly a further attempt to intimidate the innovative and popular red shirt leader. Prachatai states that: “According to the public prosecutor, on 18 May 2010 at 1.50 pm, Sombat made a speech on stage under the expressway at Din Daeng while tyres were being burnt and the smoke disturbed the public.” So he is “charged … for joining a political gathering of 5 or more people, blocking traffic and disturbing public order in an area where an emergency had been declared. The Bangkok North Municipal Court accepted the case and scheduled the examination of evidence for 18 March.” Sombat already faces two similar cases related to peaceful rallies in May 2010.

Dangerous opponents of the regime!

The second case relates to a case being brought against Jitra Kotchadej, Bunrod Saiwong and Sunthorn Bunyod. These three are leaders of the Triumph International workers laid off in 2009. They are now being prosecuted for “gathering and causing unrest … at Government House and Parliament on 27 Aug 2009.” Yes, in 2009. It is reported that the “public prosecutor brought them before the Criminal Court to be remanded.” They posted bail thanks to a Chulalongkorn University lecturer and a Puea Thai Party MP. They are scheduled to appear before the court in late March.

For a flavor of the workers’ activism, see this earlier post.

As PPT has long said, this is a deeply conservative and reactionary government.

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