Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat is questioning the motives of the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s in reviving a case earlier dropped by prosecutors about his government’s 2008 crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy protesters.
Referring to a decision by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to accept the NACC's lawsuit against him and three others, Mr Somchai insisted he had properly and honestly performed the duties of prime minister regarding the dispersal of the PAD demonstrators Oct 7, 2008.
The three other defendants are Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the former deputy prime minister, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon, the former police chief, and Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muankaew, the former metropolitan police chief. The first hearing has been set for May 11.
The NACC originally filed its suit against him with the Office of the Attorney General, but the OAG on Oct 9, 2012 ordered the case dismissed. The NACC had also filed a motion seeking his impeachment in the Senate. That motion was voted down March 9, 2010.
Despite the failure of its two previous attempts, the NACC continues to pursue Mr Somchai by filing a new lawsuit by itself with the Supreme Court, which has accepted it for further proceedings. The former prime minister said he, as a former judge, was confident he would be given justice and ready to prove himself in court.
Mr Somchai said he only wanted to ask why the NACC had pursued the case, which should have been concluded, and whether the commission had adhered to the rule of law in performing its duties.