Thailand: Yingluck, other leaders to be released by military

Bangkok: Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and other prominent political figures, who have been detained by the military, are expected to be released within a week said deputy army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree. These people are safe and are being taken good care of, Xinhua cited Winthai as saying. They will be released at different times, some in three days, some in five days, but no one is expected to be detained for more than a week, Winthai said. [caption id=“attachment_154077” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File photo of former Thailand PM Yingluck Shinawatra. AFP[/caption] The military also summoned 35 more people to report to the army auditorium by 4 pm today, otherwise they will face prison time and a fine. Winthai added that 24 digital TV stations had been allowed to resume broadcasts but the ban on 14 stations and community radio is still in place. The military allowed several free TV stations to air again from Friday night. In a separate development about 100 people demonstrated in front of Major Ratchayothin shopping mall in Bangkok to protest against the military coup. They reportedly gathered at around noon and chanted “Election” and “No coup”. Later, they dispersed after troops deployed there threatened to arrest them for violating the martial law, but vowed to return to hold more rallies. Soon after Thursday’s coup, the military issued an order banning political rallies of five people or more. IANS