BANGKOK, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Thailand's Criminal Court Friday issued arrest warrants requested by the Department of Special Investigation for Red Shirt dissident leaders, authorities said.
The court issued five of 11 warrants requested by the investigation bureau for the suspects -- members of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship -- the Bangkok Post reported.
Terrorism charges are being considered for the other six alleged Red Shirt leaders.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva met with United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship chairwoman Thida Thavornseth Thursday, precipitating a visit to Klong Prem Prison by Thailand's Justice Ministry's Rights and Liberties Protection Department, the Post said.
The ministry's team met with Red Shirts and others to help them with bail if they wanted it, the director general said. Of the detainees, 151 said they wanted help with bail documents but 29 turned down the offer.
Although Thida thanked the prime minister for acting swiftly in sending governmental representatives to the prison, she denied the UDD is softening its stance.
"I only want to see justice and the rule of law prevail in the country," Thida said.
The UDD held a series of large demonstrations, encampments and building occupations this year to protest what it regards as the government's illegitimacy. UPI
