The Military Court yesterday rejected another bail request for the release of eight Facebook users charged with inciting public unrest and breaching the Computer Crime Act, saying there were no new grounds to reconsider its decision.
Winyat Chartmontri, the suspects' lawyer who submitted the bail request, said he would resubmit another bail application next Tuesday, when their 12-day detention period ends.
By that time the police investigation is likely to be clearer, he said.
The eight suspects have been charged with inciting public unrest under the Criminal Code's Section 116 and breaching the Computer Crime Act for Facebook posts that authorities say can be used to instigate chaos. The online messages allegedly criticised the prime minister and the regime.
Meanwhile, the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) yesterday pressed a new charge of lese majeste against two of the suspects, Natthika Worathaiyawich and Harit Mahaton. CSD investigator, Pol Lt Col Chaiyapon Nitayapat, went to the Bangkok Remand Prison where the suspects are being held to inform them of the additional charge. However, Ms Natthika and Mr Harit refused to acknowledge it.
Anti-coup activist Sirawith "Ja New" Seritiwat said yesterday his group were undecided on what action to take regarding the charter referendum.
Mr Sirawith, detained and released by police following a protest against the regime on an elevated walkway near Chong Nonsi BTS station on Sunday, said he was charged with violating the public hygiene law which imposes a maximum fine of 10,000 baht. Police laid the charge after he allegedly threw post-it notes into the air. He denied the charge.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday refused to be drawn into a verbal exchange with former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who called on Gen Prayut to be "open-minded about criticism" following the arrest of the eight Facebook users.
Gen Prayut said the suspects faced charges not because they criticised the charter referendum or made fun of him, but because they broke the law.