The Criminal Court has decided to prolong the detention of two advocates for changing the monarchy system until March 20, because more time is needed for the police to interview more witnesses.
This is the third time the court has allowed Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaimahabutra to stay in detention. They are accused of breaking Section 116 of the Criminal Code for allegedly disturbing the passage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's motorcade on a Bangkok expressway by honking their car horn.
However, the court has instructed the police to hasten the questioning of witnesses and finish it within this extended detention period.
Their defense attorney, Krisadang Nutcharat from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, has submitted a petition to the court opposing the police's request to extend the detention of his clients.
Meanwhile, well-known social critic Sulak Sivaraksa, and independent journalist Atukkit Sawangsuk, have submitted a statement through their representative opposing the further detention of the two suspects, asserting that they are merely suspects who have not been formally charged.
They argue that their alleged offense was simply a clash of ideas and that they deserve bail, which is a fundamental right for criminal suspects. They also add that the two have no history of trying to escape.
