On October 10, the Ratchaburi District Court sentenced Wanthana Othong, a 62-year-old political activist in Ratchaburi province, to 6 months and 10 days in jail without parole and fined her 1,000 baht. The sentence was based on three charges brought against her, which included failure to comply with an official's orders, emitting loud noise, and resisting or obstructing law enforcement officers. She was granted bail during the appeal.

Wanthana's case originated from an incident on March 13, where she protested against former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to Banpong, Ratchaburi Province. Wanthana lunged towards Prayut's motorcade and cursed at the ex-PM. Female officers then charged and apprehended her, covering her mouth and nose while dragging her away.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that Wanthana sustained injuries, resulting in swollen and inflamed arms, as well as swollen and bruised legs, which forced her to cease working and caused a loss of income. Law enforcement officers also attempted to prevent the incident from being recorded by the media. 

Wanthana claimed that she wanted to discuss economic issues with Prayut, but officers informed her that, due to security concerns, she couldn't do so, before dragging her away.

Wanthana faced charges on three counts, which included failure to comply with an officer's orders under Criminal Code Section 368, emitting loud noise under Criminal Code Section 370, and resisting or obstructing law enforcement officers under Criminal Code Section 138.

To obtain bail, the court required Wanthana to post a total of 30,000 baht. Collateral was provided with the assistance of the Will of the People bail fund. Wanthana was temporarily released to exercise her right to appeal the court's judgment in the subsequent proceedings.

After being released, Wanthana shaved her head in front of the Ratchaburi District Court, explaining that her aim was "to symbolise our collective pursuit of genuine justice for everyone."

"I cannot give up. It's not about remorse. I'm under immense pressure. I felt like vomiting in the courtroom as I listened to the judges gradually read the verdict and pronounce my sentence. It's so overwhelming, and I question why they have to compose such judgments," Wanthana stated.

An investigation is currently underway by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to determine if legal proceedings should be brought against the police officers who injured her. The NACC has stated that they will await the verdict from the Ratchaburi District Court before moving on to the next steps.