Six protesters who attended a 16 October 2020 pro-democracy protest have been acquitted of charges related to violations of the Emergency Decree Act. The Court said their actions were little more than an exercise of constitutional rights and freedoms.

The six protesters - Anurak Jeantawanich, Nattanon Duangsunenarn, Elia Fofi, Akkaphon Wantachai, Intarat Saeng-in, and Kanitin Tiyao - charged with violating the Emergency Decree Act, were among 19 protesters  arrested following a 16 October 2020 protest.

The protest in question was held after a crackdown on a protest at Government House in the early morning of 15 October, when a Severe State of Emergency was declared. It was originally planned for Ratchaprasong Intersection, but police blocked the area off ahead of time so it was moved to nearby Pathumwan Intersection.

Protesters called on then Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign.  They also asked parliament to accept a people’s demand to amend the Constitution and called on authorities to release protesters who had been arrested during 13-15 October 2020 protests.

The protest was one of the largest protests of the 2020 student-led pro-democracy movement. Most of the protesters were minors and students.

During the protest, police officers in full riot gear moved into the area near the Siam BTS Station and fired water cannon at the protesters, the majority of whom were high school and university students, while pushing into them with their shields. The water, stained blue with long-lasting dye, reportedly contained chemical irritants. It was the first time crowd control weapons like this were used against protesters.

Despite the crackdown, protests continued for over a week, despite a ban on mass gatherings being declared. The Severe State of Emergency was lifted on 22 October 2020.

After being arrested, the six protesters were granted bail pending trial. They were later indicted on 28 March 2025.

On 22 August, the Criminal Court ruled to dismiss all of their charges, concluding that there was no evidence of violence, casualties, or property damage resulting from their actions

In addition, according to the police, none were found in possession of any weapons or illegal items during the protest. As a result, the Court concluded that their participation amounted to a peaceful assembly, constituting an exercise of rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.

According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, at least 72 people were arrested for violating the Emergency Decree after the Severe State of Emergency was imposed from 15- 22 October 2020.