Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for PAD's nine leaders

People's Alliance for Democracy suffered a big blow on Wednesday after Criminal Court decided to issue arrest warrants for PAD's nine co-leaders for their involvement in the raid on NBT TV station and the Government House.

Court made the decision at the request of police that provided the video footages of the incidents.

The warrants cited serious charges, such as inciting crowds to turn unruly, bids to oust the government and intimidate the media, via the NBT raid, and illegally entering government installations, he said.

The nine PAD leaders were Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, Pibhop Dhongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila, Amorn Amornwattananon and Therdpoom Jaidee.

The nine leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy are facing charges under four articles of the Criminal Code.

Under Article 113, it is deemed an offence for any individual to assault or threaten to assault in order to overthrow the administrative power sanctioned by the Constitution. Offenders are deemed to have committed treason punishable by death or life imprisonment.

Under Article 114, it is deemed an offence for any individual to mobilise manpower and weapons, or to make other preparations, or to conspire in order to commit treason, or commit any wrongdoing which is part of the plans, or to incite the people to commit treason, or to be an accessory to treason. Offenders face a jail sentence of three to five years.

Under Article 215, it is deemed an offence for the involvement of any individual in criminal association with more than 10 people in order to assault or threaten to assault or commit any action leading to disturbances in society. Offenders face a jail term of up to six months and/or a fine of up to Bt2,000.

If the offender was armed, the penalties are a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine of up to Bt4,000. If the offender was the lead culprit or acted as the mastermind, the penalties are a jail term of up to five years and/or a fine of up to Bt10,000.

Under Article 216, it is deemed an offence for any individual to resist the order given by law enforcement authorities to quit a criminal association under Article 215. Offenders face a jail term of up to three years and/or a fine of up to Bt6,000.