The military court has granted bail to a man who was accused of distributing anti-junta pamphlets.
According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), the military court in the eastern province of Chonburi on Monday granted 70,000 baht (2,151 USD) bail to Ponlawat Warodomputhikul, a 22-year-old factory worker from Mueang District of eastern Rayong Province.
Ponlawat was arrested by military and police officers last Friday and was detained at Chonburi Military Camp for investigation.
He was accused of distributing leaflets with the message “Down with dictatorship, democracy will triumph” on 21 March at several venues in Mueang District of Rayong.
The leaflets also contained images of the three-finger salute, a gesture derived from the popular ‘Hunger Games’ blockbuster, which has become an anti-junta symbol since the coup.
According to Pol Maj Gen Chumpon Chanthachamrassil, Ponlawat confessed that he distributed the pamphlets.
The authorities charged him with offences under Article 116 of the Criminal Code for instigating rebellion and Article 368 for refusing to comply with official orders.
In addition, he is charged with defying the junta’s National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Announcement No. 97/2014 which prohibits criticism against the coup-makers.
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