Bangkok (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Thai military government sentenced him six "Yellow Shirt" leaders to two years in prison for illegally occupying the prime minister's office during the 2008 protests.
A judge court sentenced former tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, the former politician Sondhi Limthongkul and four other members of the People's Alliance for Democracy - the official name of the "Yellow Shirts" - for trespassing without permission on the Government House in Bangkok.
The verdict states that "protesters crossed the gates of Government House, cut the chains and toppled the iron barriers, occupying the building." All six defendants were released on bail pending appeal, but are forbidden to travel abroad.
The "Yellow Shirts" have been a leading force in Thai politics over the last decade, starting from the protests of 2006, thanks to which they managed to overthrow the government of Thaksin Shinawatra (now in exile), favoring a military coup . In 2008 they occupied Bangkok to challenge the government of Somchai Wongsuwat, a Thaksin ally, once again managing to win their battle and to depose the prime minister.
In 2014 the People's Alliance for Democracy was once again the protagonist of Thai politics, given that their violent clashes with the 'Red Shirts' - faithful to the Shinawatra family - led to the military coup in May, after which martial law was declared. In August, the leader of the military junta Prayuth Chan-ocha was elected as the new prime minister of Thailand.