BANGKOK, Dec 13 – Thailand’s former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then-deputy Suthep Thaugsuban appeared before the country’s Department of Special Investigation today, affirming that they will contest all charges against them without compromising or fleeing the country.
Greeted by supporters at the Democrat Party head office before leaving for the DSI headquarters, Mr Abhisit thanked them for not gathering at the DSI to avoid possible confrontation with Red Shirt activists.
The Democrat leader and his deputy are to acknowledge charges of conspiring in the fatal shootings of Red Shirt demonstrators during the 2010 political demonstrations in Bangkok in which 91 people were filled.
He speculated that the DSI will apply an additional charge involving donations to the Democrat Party, calling the DSI to add the new allegation so that they will acknowledge all the changes together at one time.
Mr Abhisit said he and Mr Suthep had never intended to assault the public but they had the responsibility to return order for the public when violence occurred and when weapons were used.
“I’m neither a coward nor a crook, though I may be a little stingy,” he said. “I’m confident in my innocence and I’ll fight straightforwardly without making any compromise.”
“I will accept it [even] if the court’s verdict on me is the death sentence. I abide by Thai law and if convicted I must be jailed in Thailand. May the Thai people be assured that the truth will eventually prevail.”
