BANGKOK — Two suspects accused of throwing a grenade at the Criminal Court in Bangkok on 7 March were found guilty of disrespecting the judiciary today.
The criminal court sentenced Mahahin Khunthong and Yutthana Yenpinyo to five months in prison today for contempt of the court, an offense defined as "refusing to obey court regulations concerning the maintenance of peace and order, or unruly behavior on the court’s premises."
They are also facing a separate trial in military court on charges of attempted murder, detonating an explosive with the potential to harm others, and a possessing firearms and ammunition without a permit, among other offenses.
Today’s verdict said Mahahin and Yutthana caused "chaos" and "panic" by throwing a grenade at the court's parking lot on the night of 7 March.
"It was an action that affected the operations of officials and judges," the verdict read. "It also caused panic to the people."
Military officers said they arrested the two suspects arrested shortly after the explosion, which did not injure anyone or cause major damages.
Mahahin and Yutthana were detained in an army camp for several days of interrogation before they were transferred to police custody. They are currently being held at Bangkok Remand Prison.
At least 15 arrest warrants have been issued for suspects in connection with the courthouse attack.
Police say the alleged "terrorist network" behind the bombing was plotting to stage bomb attacks on four other targets in Bangkok, including Chatuchak subway station, the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters, Lumpini Park, and Siam Kempinski Hotel.
