Thai police plucked at least three people off the streets of the capital on Sunday (February 22) after they held a small gathering to “exchange views” with the country’s military junta.
Thailand’s military has severely restricted public gatherings since seizing power in a coup last May. Taking a hard line on dissent, it has detained more than 300 people, including activists, journalists and politicians.
The leader of a group of four people, Akkarakit Noonchan, was dragged away by plainclothes officers shortly after the beginning of the event at Bangkok’s downtown Victory Monument, after he handed out T-shirts and other giveaways to onlookers.
Akkarakit told reporters the event by the group, calling itself Serichon Thailand58, was not intended as a protest.
“I did not come here to protest. It’s in the statement…See, see! They are covering up our ears and mouths. Let me read the statement. See, they are covering up our mouths, everyone, we’ve come here to offer solutions to the government,” he said as he was taken away by police.
At least two other people were seen being detained. They had earlier displayed t-shirts depicting a bird with its beak and claws bound, as dozens of uniformed police stood by.
One person has been questioned by police, according to Lieutenant ColonelThepitak Saengla, the head of investigations at the nearby Phayathai police station. He did not give any further details.
Reuters wires
