PM, 2 others in the line of fire

10 Mar, 2011
Source: Bangkok Post

Leaders of the People's Assembly of Thailand and Thai Patriots Network on Thursday submitted a petition to the Supreme Court asking it to appoint independent investigators to investigate Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon for failing to protect Thai territory from being trespassed on by Cambodia.

The petition was filed by Admiral Bannawit Kengrian, chairman of the People's Assembly of Thailand, and Chaiwat Sinsuwong and ML Walwipa Charoonrote, leaders of the Thai Patriots Network.

Citing Sections 275 and 276 - which concern criminal action against holders of political positions - of the constitution, the petition states that between Feb 4-20 Mr Abhisit, Mr Suthep and Gen Prawit failed to perform their duties to prevent Cambodian soldiers from intruding to occupy more than 3,000 rai of Thai territory, causing casualties on Tha villagers and soldiers.

In the petition, Supreme Court president Sobchoke Sukharom is asked to set up independent investigators to conduct investigation to establish whether the three had neglected to perform their duties.

Mr Chaiwat said if the court accepts to conduct the independent investigation the petitioners would bring TPN coordinator Veera Somkwamkid, if he is released, to testify.

Veera is currently serving time in a prison in Cambodia after being found guilty of illegal entry and espionage.

On Mar 11 a letter will be submitted to the Thai embasy in Phnom Penh, the foreign minister, the defence minister, and the permanent secretary for foreign affairs to reply why they allowed Cambodian troops to trespass on Thai soil, Mr Chaiwat said.

If they do not reply to the question, a petition would be filed against them with the Administrative Court.

Moreover, Mr Chaiwat said a petition would also file with the International Court of Justice, the International Red Cross, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, accusing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen of human rights violation against Veera and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, who was also handed down a jail sentence in Cambodia.