One of the leading figures of the pro-democracy movement in Thailand, indicted for insulting the monarchy, was released on bail Thursday, May 6 after spending nearly two months in detention.
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Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, known as Rung, was released against a bond of 6,500 dollars (5,400 euros) with a ban on leaving the country and participating in "
activities deemed dishonorable for royalty,
" said Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, the association who represents it. Detained since March 8, she went on a hunger strike 35 days ago, according to the pro-democracy group Front Uni de Thammasat, of which she is a member. Rung and several other leading figures in the protest are accused of violating strict laws on the crime of lese majesty during a rally in central Bangkok in September. They are also charged with sedition alongside 15 other pro-democracy protesters.
At the height of the movement, tens of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of the Thai capital to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, a new constitution and reform of the monarchy, a subject until then totally taboo in the country where the royal family is considered untouchable. The movement has weakened in recent months due to the coronavirus pandemic, but sporadic protests are still organized.
On Sunday, May 2, hundreds of Thais demonstrated to demand the release of political detainees, throwing red paint, tomatoes and eggs at the Bangkok Criminal Court. Parit Chiwarak, said Penguin, another jailed leader of the movement, has also gone on a hunger strike. He was hospitalized last week after losing 12 pounds, but the court refuses to release him on bail.
