Seven activists, including Veera Somkwamkid, coordinator of the Thai Patriots Network, were arrested in Bangkok yesterday during an energy reform march for violating the martial law's prohibition on political gatherings.
They were arrested after groups of activists — with less than five people in each group — began marching from the Victory Monument towards Chatuchak Park but police stopped them at the entrance of Soi Phaholyothin 2.
Among the seven activists were Mr Veera, who was recently released from Prey Sor prison in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on a royal pardon. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for espionage by a Cambodian court in February 2011.
Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Amnuay Nimmano said the activists arranged the march via social media and they insisted on continuing even though police urged them to stop.
They will be detained at a military camp for seven days under martial law.