First sentence for anti-coup defiance

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: The Pathum wan sub-district court yesterday issued the first sentence on charges of violating martial law and ignoring an order of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The court sentenced Weerayut Kongkanatan to two months in jail and a Bt6,000 fine for violating martial law and the NCPO’s order, though the jail term was suspended for one year after the defendant pleaded guilty.

As per the NCPO order, anybody responsible for holding an assembly of more than five people will face a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to Bt20,000.

Weerayuth, 49, was arrested on May 23 while he was participating in an anti-coup protest at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. He was arrested along with Thanapol Eawsakul, the editor of Same Sky journal.

— Phuket Gazette Editors