Classmates throw party in support of Klanarong

Thammasat University classmates of Klanarong Chantik yesterday threw a party to give him moral support for his prosecution role in Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wealth concealment trial.

The law school class 06 also chipped in to buy a Buddha amulet for Mr Klanarong, the National Counter Corruption Commission secretary-general, who has come under fire from Mr Thaksin's supporters for grilling the witnesses in the trial.

Kampol Phusuksawaeng, Supreme Court senior judge, said the amulet was believed to possess a good luck charm to deflect obstacles for those who wear it.

Somchai Rojanavanich, the organiser of the party and secretary of the alumni, said the classmates thought a message of support has been conveyed to Mr Klanarong.

They originally planned to organise the party under the name of the Thammasat law school association, but thought it to be inappropriate as Vichai Thongtaeng and Padungpan Jantharo, both Mr Thaksin's lawyers in the trial, are the association executives.

Some of his classmates said Mr Thaksin was wrong to criticise Mr Klanarong's credentials and suitability as a prosecutor.

Mr Klanarong was alleged to be connected to the Democrat party, the main opposition party, having worked with the late M.R. Seni Pramoj, the former party leader.

Wasant Soypisut, a Supreme Court judge, said he also worked with M.R. Seni and insisted Mr Klanarong was never politically connected with the Democrats.

Mr Klanarong, he added, was only M.R Seni's secretary and worked as an official. Mr Wasant said Mr Klanarong was made rather despondent by criticisms generated by the Thaksin case against him.

Mr Klanarong said the expression of support from friends has boosted his morale and he vowed to carry on his duty entrusted by the NCCC in the trial.