via CAAI
Published: 15/02/2011
Summonses have been issued for 10 co-leaders of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), requiring them to report to police for violating an order of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy commissioner Amnuay Nimmano said on Tuesday.
Under the Internal Security Act, CAPO has issued an order prohibiting use of certain roads around Government House and the parliament. These roads have been occupied by PAD protesters as they mount pressure on the government to comply with their demands on the handling of border issues with Cambodia. They are required to reopen them to traffic.
Pol Maj-Gen Amnuay said those found violating Article 18 of the ISA are liable to a jail term of up to one year and a fine of 20,000 baht.
Those summonsed are required to report the Metropolitan Police Division 1 headquarters within seven days, by Feb 22, he said.
The 10 who have been summonsed are: Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul, Prapan Khoonmee, Panthep Puapongphan, Rak Rakpong (Samana Pothirak, leader of the Santi Asoke sect), Suriyasai Katasila, Terdphum Jaidee, Pibhop Dhongchai, Amorn Amornrattananond and Tossapol Kaewthima.
PAD co-leader Chamlong Srimuang said earlier the yellow-shirt group would cooperate and answer the summonses, and would not move the protest to put pressure on the police, the court or the prison system.
Maj-Gen Chamlong also said he would not object if police want to search the PAD protest site for weapons and alcohol.
On the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, he said the PAD would be glad to provide information about the issue if a forum were set up for this purpose, but would definitely not negotiate or debate with the government on the matter.
PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongphan said a condition should be set that Cambodians staying in the disputed border area must move out before Thailand and Cambodia agree on a permanent ceasefire, as called for by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
If this condition was not met first, then they would continue to occupy the area and trespass on more Thai territory, including Kaeo Sikkha Khiri Savara temple and Phu Ma Khua.
If this was allowed to happen, Cambodia might win the management of the area around Preah Vihear temple and Thailand might end up losing the disputed area permanently, Mr Panthep said.
Meanwhile, police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri announced that no replacement would be appointed for assistant police chief Somyot Pumpanmuang, who has resigned as chief investigator handling the cases against the PAD, since the investigation has been completed.
Pol Lt-Gen Somyot was handling the cases against the PAD for the blockade of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in late 2008.
Pol Lt-Gen Somyot said he had been severely criticised and his family put under immense pressure, and he asked to be relieved of the job.
Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang
Pol Maj-Gen Prawut said It is not necessary to replace Pol Lt-Gen Somyot as chief investigator, since he had finished the job. the investigation of PAD suspects in the case was completed.
All that remains to be done is for police to forward their investigation report to the prosecutors for indictment, he said.
Asked about Maj-Gen Chamlong's civil lawsuit demanding 220 million baht compensation for damages from Pol Lt-Gen Somyot, on grounds the terrorism charge levied against him was too harsh and unreasonable, Pol Maj-Gen Prawut said the officer is protected by an act of 1996 regarding responsibilities of authorities in performing their duties.
The spokesman said Pol Lt-Gen Somyot will be looked after by the Royal Thai Police Office.
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