Chamlong and Chaiwat released on bail

Both leaders who were arrested last week on treason charges vowed to return to lead the anti-government protest at the Government House. Protesters erupted in cheers upon learning about the release.

Chamlong said after being released that he will return to the protest site at the Government as soon as possible.

In separate interview, Chaiwat said he thanked the Appeals Court for dropping the treason charges.

Commenting on negotiation with the government, Chaiwat said everybody should wait and see to see whether Prime Minsiter Somchai Wongsawat who is brother-in-law of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra was sincere or not in solving the ongoing political crisis.

Chamlong earlier changed his mind to seek release on bail. Earlier he and Chaiwat refused to seek release on bail, saying that the treason charge against them was vague.

Earlier Democrat MP and PAD leader, Somkiat Pongpaiboon said that Chamlong decided to seek release on bail after talking with his wife, Siriluck, because the presence of Chamlong in the protest would give moral support to the activities.

Somkiat said Chamlong would rejoin the protesters, who have been occupying Government House, as soon as he is freed.

Deputy police spokesman Surapon Thuanthong said that police would raise no objections if the arrested PAD leaders wanted to be free on bail.

The Appeals Court yesterday ruled in favour of the PAD leaders by dropping treason charges against them.

The Court said the supporting evidence of the treason charges filed by the police against nine PAD leaders were vague.

However arrest warrants against them for conspiring with more than 10 people to cause disturbances or physical harms are still intact.

Upon learning the court's decision, Sondhi Limthongkul, a PAD leader, said he and other leaders were ready to surrender to police on the remaining charges. They are willing to fight the other charges, but not that of treason, which they deem unjustified. They will then ask to be freed on bail, Sonthi said.