BANGKOK, Jan 17 – Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) warned civil servants and state enterprise officials that they will be found guilty if they join or support the ongoing anti-government protests.
Caretaker Deputy PM Pracha Promnok said those in the categories joining the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protests, led by its secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban, will face criminal charges, which will last 20 years, and wrongdoing of disciplinary actions, for civil servants and state enterprise employees must comply with the rules of their institutions and the government’s policies.
Following today’s bomb attack on Bangkok’s Banthad Thong Road while the protesters were forming their procession, Pol Gen Pracha said that he was informed of the matter which is now under police investigation. At least 30 people were wounded in the incident.
Meanwhile, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, in his capacity as CAPO director, spoke of a development on arresting Suthep Thuagsuban that police are waiting for the right moment to apprehend him.
According to the CAPO chief, the PDRC secretary-general has been staying at the InterContinental Bangkok. Two teams are divided to look after the matter for the arrest — the CAPO team and the team led by caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung.
Mr Surapong said he believes the ongoing political situations will not escalate; thus the Internal Security Act currently imposed is still sufficient.
On a related matter, United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Tida Thavornset denied a newspaper’s report accusing that UDD or the Red Shirt supporters in Bangkok have prepared guns and weapons to stand against a coup.
Ms Tida said there has been neither preparation nor plan of the UDD to stock weapons to fight against a coup.
