Udomdej softens salute-for-hire claim

Udomdej softens salute-for-hire claim

Deputy Defence Minister and army chief Udomdej Sitabutr on Wednesday toned down comments made by the first army region commander, claiming five Khon Kaen University students were paid to flash the controversial three-finger salute against the prime minister.

Members of Khon Kaen-based student activist group Dao Din show up at the Office of the National Human Rights Commission on Chaeng Watthana Road on Wednesday. They came to defend themselves against allegations they had been paid by Khon Kaen politicians to flash the three-finger salute during a speech by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in the province last month.  (Photo by Tawatchai Kemgumnerd)

"That intelligence needs to be checked," Gen Udomdej said. "I do not want it to be a big deal."

First Army Region commander Lt Gen Kampanart Ruddith said on Monday the students were paid 50,000 baht by local politicians for their act of defiance against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his speech on the visit to Khon Kaen on Nov 19.

Lt Gen Kampanart yesterday refused to verify his statement, saying only that the information was based on "initial intelligence" and that more information needs to be heard from other sources and evaluated.

He said the army will focus on talks to boost understanding among students.

The students meanwhile claimed they have felt afraid since the protest, saying they feel as though they are being monitored by "you know who".

Four members of Khon Kaen University's Dao Din activist group yesterday submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asking it help defend them against the allegations they had been paid.

Niran Pitakwatchara, chairman of the NHRC sub-committee on civil and political rights, said he may contact Lt Gen Kampanart to set up a meeting between both sides.

Dr Niran said the Dao Din group's activism was not related to any politician or political interest, adding the students have participated in NHRC workshops about community rights. The NHRC plans to give Dao Din its human rights award for children and youth on Dec 12.

The Dao Din group comprises about 20 young people, mostly Khon Kean University law students, who assist communities whose rights are violated by development projects. The group has existed for 10 years.

Some of them live together in a rented house, where they plan their activism, they said.

After the protest on Nov 19, they said a stranger tried to take photos of them while passing their house in an unfamiliar car.

Senior student Jirawit Chimmanukoo, 23, told the NHRC yesterday he has not met other members since. "We've felt like we are being watched," he said.

They decided to disperse, said Mr Jirawit, adding no meetings have been held since.

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