Future Forward leader Thanathorn spared detention, for now

The leader of a pro-democracy party, Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, and two of his colleagues were spared detention in a case involving criticism of the junta on TV last week.

Dashing earlier speculation that the trio would be held in custody, the attorney-general ordered them freed for now, saying they had voluntarily turned themselves in. Bail bond was also waived.

Thanthorn, Klaikong Vaidhyakarn and Charuwan Sarunkate must, however, report to court on March 26, two days after the election, to hear further rulings in the case.

The case arises from an online livestream last year, in which the three had alleged that the junta had tried to lure former MPs to the Phalang Pracharat Party.

The junta, the National Council for Peace and Order, accused them of violating the Computer Crime Act by sharing untruthful information on the internet.

Thanathorn yesterday expressed his gratitude to the attorney-general for his understanding and for not requiring them to periodically report to the police, thus allowing them to focus on their campaign.

Scores of supporters were at the court to give the trio moral support.

SOURCE: The Nation