Thai authorities crack down on anti-coup activists, threaten arrests

Thai police on June 12 announced that anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngamanong has been formally charged with inciting unrest, violating the Computer Crime Act and defying the order of the military junta.
Thai police on June 12 announced that anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngamanong has been formally charged with inciting unrest, violating the Computer Crime Act and defying the order of the military junta.

Prasopchoke Prommun, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police’s Crime Suppression Division, said Sombat was taken to the Bangkok Military Court and may face 14 years in prison. However, he denied all the charges.

Sombat was arrested by the National Council for Peace and Order on June 5 after allegedly defying its orders by using social networks to stage anti-coup rallies.

Meanwhile, deputy Bangkok police chief Major General Amnuay Nimmano said they will arrest anyone who posts anti-coup messages on social networks.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau is working with the Technology Crime Suppression Division to track down people who post messages considered as instigating anti-coup or anti-junta protests, he said.

On June 13, Thai army chief General Prayut Chan-Ocha said an interim

government will be formed in August or the beginning of September. He also ruled out elections for at least a year.-VNA

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