A group of protesters are marching from Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok to call for the release of the Ratsadon group (People's Movement) leaders, who have been detained on various charges, including lese majeste, over their roles in anti-government rallies.
Led by Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, also known as Pai Dao Din, about 100 members of the "People Go" group began the march from the northeastern province to the capital yesterday.
The march started from the Thao Suranaree monument in Muang district at about 9am, with popular actress and staunch supporter of the movement, Intira Charoenpura, seen among the marchers.
About 40 police officers were deployed to ensure peace and order.
Mr Jatupat said the marchers planned to cover a total distance of 247.5 kilometres over 15 days, or about 16km a day, and finish at Government House in Bangkok.
He also said the group would continue campaigning for the release of Parit Chiwarak, Arnon Nampa, Somyos Prueksakasemsuk and Patiwat Saraiyaem, also known as Patipan Luecha.
They are currently being detained on a range of charges, including lese majeste and sedition.
On Monday, the Appeal Court rejected the quartet's applications for bail, citing their disrespect for the monarchy and saying they posed a flight risk.
Meanwhile, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, another protest leader, said she was also prepared for a period in detention if her bail application was also denied today.
Ms Panusaya yesterday submitted an open letter to the Constitutional Court, the Justice Ministry, Criminal Court, Royal Thai Police and Prime Minister's Office to demand the release of the four protest leaders.
She called the decision to refuse all four of them bail unjustifiable, saying that all suspects should be presumed innocent by the courts until proven otherwise.
Ms Panusaya also said she was prepared if prosecutors decided to indict her today for lese majeste under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
The protesters were ready to press ahead with their fight, even without their leaders, she said.
