Dino, Lertsak : Contempt of Court from using speaker too loud

On 15 June 2021 at 09.00 a.m. the judge appointed both alleged defendants to be investigated for making a loud disturbance in the court area. On that day, there were three witnesses from the accuser’s side to be testified which are Chawannart Thongsom, the director of the administrative office of the Criminal Court (the accuser), Pol. Capt. Trin Rattanakaew, a court marshal, and Pol. Lt. Col. Sakchai Kraiveeradechachai, the crime suppression deputy superintendent of Paholyothin police station. None of them accused the content of speeches from the two accused, only the loud noise was an issue for diisturbing other trials.

 

After examination of witnesses the court ordered, on 22 December 2021, that the two accused are guilty of contempt of court. The two accused organised a protest and used amplifier, even thought a policeman asked to stop, the activity was continued. Thier speeches incited the protestors and effect court's procedure and can not be considered as faithful expression. The court gave a sentence of 1 month in prison and 500 baht fine. The imprison penalty was suspended. The Court of Appeal later reaffirmed the verdict.