Thai Fern Blog

The Appeals Court on Friday granted bail to Veera Musikhapong, a United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leader charged with terrorism, thanks to testimony given by Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister’s secretary-general.

Mr Veera petitioned the Appeals Court, offering a 3 million baht cashier’s cheque as collateral.

The Criminal Court has rejected earlier requests submitted by UDD lawyers for the release of all UDD leaders and supporters being detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison after being charged with terrorism under Article 135/1-3 of the Criminal Code over violence during the April-May protests.

The Appeals Court on Thursday examined four witnesses, one of them Mr Korbsak, whose testimony convinced the court that Mr Veera adhered to the line of non-violence.

Mr Korbsak, who coordinated with UDD leaders during the protests, told the court that Mr Veera agreed to the government’s reconciliation plan.  He said that negotiations with UDD leaders failed because of opposition from the protesters.

Moreover, Department of Special Investigation investigators also confirmed that Mr Veera was a UDD leader who rejected violence.

The court agreed to release Mr Veera on 6 million baht bail after taking into consideration the fact that the situation in the country has nearly returned to normal, the government has lifted the emergency decree in many provinces, and the investigation of Mr Veera has been completed.

Mr Veera is prohibited from travelling out of Bangkok and or leaving the country without permission, from involvement in an assembly of five people or more, and from giving information to the mass media.

Mr Veera is also required to report to the Criminal Court every 15 days.

Following the court ruling, Mr Veera is required to produce another 3 million baht as security, in addition to the cheque already tendered, before being released.

Mr Veera was all smiles and congratulated by his family and supporters who turned up at the court to support him.

He was taken back to  Bangkok Remand Prison and was expected to be released later today.

This photo gallery shows UDD leader Veera Musikhapong being taken to the Criminal Court to hear the Appeals Court’s order, which allowed his release on 6 million baht bail, on Friday. (Photos by Surapol Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/188660/veera-released-on-bail

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Friday morning called an urgent meeting of security and intelligence units to discuss the overall situation following the bombing in Soi Rang Nam early this morning, reports said.

“The meeting is for discussion and assessment of the current situation. I want to know what each of the security and intelligence units is doing or responsible for, and how they can effectively maintain peace and order.

“I wante to assure the Thai people that the government is capable of keeping the situation under control,” Gen Prawit said.

The defence minister said the intelligence agences were all doing their jobs well. There was no need for big changes.

Asked about the Soi Rang Nam bombing this morning, Gen Prawit admitted that he was concerned the situation would escalate. He affirmed that the government is not at ease and will put all its efforts into ensuring national security.

Asked who are behind the bomb attacks in the capital, the minister admitted he had no idea, but he felt there are  some people who do not want the country to be at peace. He did not know whether the bomb attacks are  politically motivated.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/188658/gen-prawit-calls-an-urgent-meeting