One of nine People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders arrested

Written by Writer on Saturday, October 4th, 2008

One of nine People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders arrested

BANGKOK, Oct 3 (TNA) — Thai police on Friday apprehended Chaiwat Sinsuwong, one of the nine leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), for whom police had issued arrest warrants in late August.

Mr. Chaiwat was arrested at his residence in suburban Bangkok and is now being questioned at a border police station in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Pathum Thani.

Police on August 27 issued arrest warrants for nine of the group’s leaders on charges of insurrection, conspiracy, and illegal assembly on the part of more than 10 persons and refusing orders to disperse.

The warrants imposed on the nine leaders spelled out serious criminal charges punishable by death or life imprisonment.

The charges were filed after the PAD seized the Government House and several ministries and state agencies in a bid to oust the government which it accused of being a proxy of ousted, fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

During the questioning, Mr. Chaiwat denied all charges and police are expected to seek a permission from the court for his detention. Bail is not likely to be granted, said police sources. (TNA)