Overturned decisions in the royal motorcade trial
The Court of Appeal in Thailand has made a significant ruling, overturning the acquittals of five individuals who were charged with obstructing a motorcade carrying Her Majesty the Queen. This case, which stems from an event during the pro-democracy demonstrations in October 2020, has been closely watched by the public and legal scholars.
According to the court's findings, the incident on October 14, 2020, took everyone by surprise, including both police and protesters. The motorcade carrying the Queen approaching Phitsanulok Road near Government House was not preceded by any signs or announcements, as per the court's ruling on June 8, 2023.
As the procession passed by, public officials drew close to the vehicles, which led the crowd to believe their rally was to be dispersed. Many in the crowd cheered and held up three fingers in protest, but they were protesting against the police, not the royal procession, witnesses said.
The charges against the five individuals were laid under Section 110 of the Criminal Code, specifically for endangering the Queen's liberty. The sentences for the five individuals range from 16 to 21 years. Notably, veteran activist Ekachai Hongkangwan was sentenced to 21 years and 4 months in prison.
Four other defendants - Bunkueanun "Francis" Paothong, Suranat Panprasert, Chanathip Chaichayangkul, and Panupat Phaikoh - were sentenced to 16 years, not suspended. The Thai Lawyers for Human Rights made a statement regarding the defendants' application for bail.
The court hearing suggested that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding on both sides. However, it's important to note that the court found that the police had not prepared for the event, and there were still cars parked on the roadside.
The judgment of the Thai court convicting these individuals involved in obstructing a motorized royal residence of the Queen was pronounced by the Thai judicial authorities; however, the search results do not specify the exact name of the court or judge responsible for this verdict.
This case, being a significant one in the Thai legal landscape, will likely continue to be closely monitored as the defendants pursue further appeals.
