The activist, Rodjaraeg Wattanapanit, said the military officers at Chiang Mai‘s Kawila Army Base accused them of “causing unrest”.

The two others summoned were Chiang Mai University lecturer Pinkaew Laungaramsri and schoolteacher Surapong Sriphrom.

Some 11 protesters dressed in white went to Chiang Mai‘s Tha Phrae Gate on April 27 to “stand still” and symbolically protest against recent arrests made by the junta.

Meanwhile, the three insisted that their action was non-violent and maintained their innocence.

However, the military officers stood firm, saying that the country was currently under extraordinary circumstances and hence trio’s action could be considered as being politically motivated.

The military officers asked the three activists to sign a so-called memorandum of understanding and promise not stage any political activities again, Rodjaraeg said. The activists refused to sign the MoU.

Though the military officers said they were OK with the activists not signing the pact, they warned of stronger action if more demonstrations are held, she said.

Lt-Colonel Phitsanupong Jaibuddhi, acting intelligence chief at Military Circle 33, said the military had invited the academics and activist for “talks”.

He also said Pinkaew and Rodjaraeg had been previously invited to meet with the military and sign a pact not to pursue any political activities, hence their latest activity was seen as breaching this agreement. In addition, she said, the activity had been carried out without permission and hence was considered as being in violation of the ban on public gatherings.

The remaining eight persons will be invited later, he added.

Rodjaraeg said Surapong, who is a schoolteacher in Tak province, was being pressured by his supervisor not to engage in any political activities. The order was passed down from the provincial governor to the school Surapong is working at, the activist said.

As for Pinkaew, even though his summonses were sent via the rector of Chiang Mai University, she was undergoing no pressure, she said. Rodjaraeg owns the “Book Re:public” bookstore in Chiang Mai where public seminars on rights and democracy are often held. She also recently received the “International Women of Courage” award from the US State Department after having twice attended the junta’s “attitude adjustment” sessions.

Rodjaraeg did not say whether the activists would hold more political activities, though she did express confidence that their “standing still” protest was peaceful and did not break any laws. The protest was held to demand the release of civilians detained and charged with sedition and computer crimes last week.

She added that they were well aware of the ban on public gatherings, as well as the junta’s orders and announcements. She said they had always tried not to break laws in order to avoid unnecessary problems with the junta.