‘Kom Chad Luek’ senior editor Jakrit Permpoon files a complaint with police against the Caravan of the Poor, which blockaded the newspaper’s headquarters for more than seven hours last Thursday.

A senior editor of the newspaper, Chakkrit Permpoon, and several reporters filed suits with police chief General Kowit Wattana. They were acting for 212 people taking legal action against Caravan leaders Khamta Kaenbun-jan and Atthawit Singlor for illegal detention. They included eight-months-pregnant Uraiwan Phuwi-chitsuratin, also detained in the compound.

Staff of Nation Multimedia Group also filed complaints that Caravan leaders caused fear of danger to life and property, and forced them to do what they were told.

The legal actions arise from a siege of the Nation Tower on Bang Na-Trat highway by a mob led by the Caravan. The group was angry about a story in Kom Chad Luek that quoted Sondhi Limthongkul, and was deemed lese majeste. The crowd only dispersed after the newspaper agreed to cease publication for five days to show responsibility.

"If there's another siege of the Nation Tower, we will apply non-violent measures to protect ourselves. But we will use violence if necessary," Chakkrit said. The newspaper has called for police protection of the offices.