5-2-2024 (BANGKOK) The Pathumwan District Court handed down sentences on Monday to Pita Limjaroenrat, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, and six others, each receiving four months in prison, suspended for two years, for their involvement in a flash mob protest in Pathumwan district back in 2019.
Mr. Pita serves as the chief adviser of the opposition-core Move Forward Party, while Mr. Thanathorn is the former leader of the disbanded Future Forward Party (FFP) and heads the Progressive Movement.
The court also pronounced sentences on Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the movement, Pannika Wanich, the spokeswoman, Pairattachote Chantarakajon, a former FFP election candidate, along with Nattha Mahatthana, Thanawat Wongchai, and Parit Chiwarak.
They were found guilty of organizing a flash mob on the skywalk near the train station at Pathumwan intersection, within 150 meters of the Sa Pathum Palace, causing disruptions to train services and impeding public access to the area.
Each defendant was sentenced to four years in prison, suspended for two years, considering their lack of previous jail sentences and the protest’s nature as a form of political expression rather than a severe crime.
Additionally, they were fined 20,200 baht for staging the rally without prior notice and using loudspeakers without a permit.
Mr. Pita expressed intentions to appeal the ruling, particularly contesting the rally’s proximity to the palace.
The flash mob occurred on December 14, 2019, marking the largest protest since the 2014 coup, following the Election Commission’s move to seek the dissolution of the Future Forward Party for allegedly accepting a substantial loan from Mr. Thanathorn.
Subsequently, the court dissolved the party and barred Mr. Thanathorn and other executive members from holding political office.
