Defendants get suspended jail term for smartphone play in court

The three – Preeyanuch Nonwangchai, Kawita Rachada and Jidarat Promkhun – were defendants in a much-publicised murder trial in which Preeyanuch and Kawita were accused of being involved in the killing and dismembering of Warisa Klinjui in Khon Kaen last May. The duo were detained in a Khon Kaen prison while Jidarat, charged with being in possession of items stolen from the victim, is free on bail.
The three were charged with contempt of court after screenshots of Preeyanuch’s chats with a man and selfie photos taken in a courtroom went viral despite the court’s ban on communication devices.
The punishment of two months is suspended for one year, said their lawyer, Thananchai Wongsai, and each was fined Bt500.
Speaking on Wednesday to reporters as the court considered the case, Thananchai said the three confessed to using Jidarat’s smartphone to chat and take photos in the courtroom. He quoted the three as promising that they will not let such incidents happen again.