Election watch on gunmen for hire

25 Apr, 2011
Source: Bangkok Post

Crime Suppression Division police throughout the country have been instructed to keep a close watch on the movements of known gunmen who may be hired to kill political rivals ahead of the general election.

CSD commander Supisan Pakdinaruenart said special attention was being given to about 50 people blacklisted as gunmen for hire.

These shooters were often hired by politicians or other influential people to get rid of their opponents, particularly political canvassers prior to a general election.

The CSD will also follow up any suspicious financial transactions made by influential persons in all regions, Pol Maj-Gen Supisan said.

Election commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham (Photo by Kitti Kreetiyutanon)

Special attention will also be given to provinces where assassinations of political canvassers and candidates are frequent -- such as Phetchaburi, Chon Buri and Nakhon Sawan.

Election commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham said the violent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia might affect the approaching general election.

Mrs Sodsri said more troops and security units would have to be deployed to the disputed border area when they should be used elsewhere to help oversee the election process.

She called on the government to quickly end the border row before the election is held.

The EC will meet the different political parties on May 2 to discuss regulations regarding election campaigning, she said.

Mrs Sodsri said the commission will consider the role of politicians who are still banned from politics, as some of them still have direct or indirect political influence.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated previously that the government will hold an election in June or early July following a likely House dissolution in the first week of next month.