DSI chief defends murder charge

News > Politics

Published: 13 Dec 2012 at 17.01
Online news: Politics

Department of Special Investigation chief Tarit Pengdith on Friday defended the DSI's decision to lay murder charges against former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva and his former deputy Suthep Thaugsuban in connection with the 2010 military crackdown on red-shirt protests.

Abhisit Vejjajiva arrives at the Department of Special Investigation office Thursday afternoon amid tight police security. The former prime minister and his former deputy Suthep Thaugsuban have been charged with murder by the DSI. (Photo by Tawatchai Kemgumnerd)

He also set up an inquiry to find out who was responsible for leaking a photograph that showed Mr Abhisit being fingerprinted on Thursday in a supposedly closed room.

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nui
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Discussion 48 : 14 Dec 2012 at 13.5948
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This is very closed watched by the international media and governments worldwide. Most are at a loss to understand what is going on in Thailand. Thailand's reputation on the international stage is getting worse and worse. Western countries know in details about the events in 2010 and they know, that PM Abhisit offered a lot to the red shirt mob and did the best a PM can do. They all would have done the same.
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Rab.Madar
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Discussion 47 : 14 Dec 2012 at 13.0647
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Disc 42. Crunchy. Could you possibly send me reference where the criminal court gave Abhisit the order to end the protest by any means. I genuinely need to know where it is documented.
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orange
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Discussion 46 : 14 Dec 2012 at 12.2146
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"Mr Abhisit said the murder charge was politically motivated" and vowed to clear his name."

Politically motivated or not, it sends a clear message that those who order the use of force against protestors are not untouchable. However i think it unlikley that Mr Abhisit will go to prison because he has the support of the Thai elite.
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lek
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Discussion 45 : 14 Dec 2012 at 11.3445
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My belief is that the charge against Abhisit will eventually be thrown out by the Prosecutor. If this happens, then the blame for the 2010 deaths will fall back fairly and squarely on the UDD and their paymaster abroad.
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samut
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Discussion 44 : 14 Dec 2012 at 11.0544
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“I am not a coward” this is exactly the difference between one former prime minster and another!
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mogy71
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Discussion 43 : 14 Dec 2012 at 10.3943
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Eric37: indeed it might set a precedent. For the police force to do their jobs in such a situation as we saw in 2010. For the government to not let it get any future situation get to the point it eventually got to with streets burning, buildings being looted and stamp it out before that. For government members to stand up and be counted for whatever fickle accusations are thrown at them. And possibly for people with nothing better to do with their time to avoid street protests and instigating violence for fear of getting shot.
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crunchy
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Discussion 42 : 14 Dec 2012 at 09.3942
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Android : Disc#39 As the two murder suspects refused to cooperate with DSI's bail out formalities, let the court deal with such.
At that time (2009-2010),The criminal court gave order to PM AV to end the protest in anymeans, (talk to them, cut supplies, early election, etc) but being a softspoken, humble AV the redshirts were stubborn and a frequent phone call from dubai.
So Mr. AV and Suthep were doing as leaders of the country not being liable and guilty of any offense to handling of the UDD illegal protests in 2009-2010..(Section 17 Exe dec
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mjt
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Discussion 41 : 14 Dec 2012 at 09.1341
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Much as this is an obvious political game it is probably a good thing that it is examined in court. People need more detailed information to understand what happened. To complete the picture it would be good to see those responsible for the other armed forces (in black) on trial for murder too.
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android
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Discussion 40 : 14 Dec 2012 at 08.2240
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This is a face saving denial, though not quite pragmatic.
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android
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Discussion 39 : 14 Dec 2012 at 08.1239
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As the two murder suspects refused to cooperate with DSI's bail out formalities, let the court deal with such.
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DSI chief defends murder charge | Bangkok Post: news