3 Free Youth activists arrested

3 members of the Free Youth movement, which arranged the July 18 protest at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument which sparked the ongoing wave of anti-government protests sweeping the nation, were arrested last night. Warrants were executed for wanted activists Baramee Chairat, Suwanna Tarnlek and Korakot Saengyenphan.

The 3 face several charges, including provoking unrest, illegal gathering of more than 10 people to hold any activity that causes unrest, and holding activities exposing the public to a contagion. The July 18 rally took place before the section of the Emergency Decree banning public gatherings was lifted on August 1.

On August 7, the Free Youth group revealed a list of 31 protesters who face arrest. Some have already been arrested, including prominent protester Parit Chiwarak and human rights lawyer Anon Nampa.

After the 3 were taken to Samranrat Police Station at around 11pm, Progressive Movement leader and former head of the defunct Future Forward Party Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, together with the party’s former spokeswoman Pannika Wanich, went to the station to visit them, but were prohibited by police.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand