Six red shirts surrender to face charges

Wiputhalaeng Patanapum-thai, Suporn Attawong, Payap Panket, Pol Lt-Colonel Waipot Apornrat, Somchai Paiboon, and Pichet Sukchindathong surrendered to the Metropolitan Police Bureau Region One commander Pol Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai.

They denied all charges and were released on a bail of Bt500,000 each, posted by eight Pheu Thai Party MPs.

Wiputhalaeng accused the police of undermining the red shirts and practising double standards.

"This is pure political intimidation because this incident happened in April but we are being arrested now, while the People's Alliance for Democracy protests happened earlier, but they have not been arrested yet,'' he said.

Other red-shirt leaders who face arrest include Surachai Danwattananusorn, who is tipped to surrender later, while Methee Amornwuthikul could not be contacted.

The six suspects carried an oil lamp as they showed up to face charges, saying they wanted to provide the police with a guiding light.

More than 200 red-shirt supporters turned up to offer support and even put up a make-shift rally stage blocking the entrance of the bureau for two hours.

Daruni Kritbunyalai, a high-society lady and staunch supporter of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, joined the rally in a red dress and red hair, waving the national flag.