BANGKOK, Dec 21 – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) resolved on Friday to issue summons for a second batch of 20 anti-government protest leaders and ordered commercial banks to freeze their bank accounts.
It was the second order in less than a week by DSI which told commercial banks on Wednesday to suspend the accounts of 18 protest leaders, including Mr Suthep Thaugsuban, former deputy premier and former Democrat MP for Surat Thani.
The latest order, signed by DSI chief Tarit Pengdith, involves the bank accounts of 20 people which include Singha beer heiress Chitpas Birombhakdi, Sakontee Pattiyakul, Kaewsan Atibhodi, Jirmsak Pinthong, Dr Seri Wongmontha, Dr Sombat Thamrongtanyawong, Dr Kittisak Prokkati, retired Gen Pathompong Kesornsuk, Suriyasai Katasila, Pipob Thongchai, Boonyod Suktinthai, Ong-art Klampaiboon, Tossapon Pengsom, Paiboon Nititawan, Tanom Onkatepon, Picharn Sukparangsi, Chanwit Wipusiri, Pichit Chaimongkol, Picharn Sukparangsi and Ratchayut Sirayothinbhakdi.
The second group of 20 protest leaders will be summonsed to acknowledge charges on gathering and inciting unrest and violation of the law, Mr Tarit said, adding that a date will later be set for them to report themselves to investigators.
The DSI’s action resulted in a new phenomenon yesterday where people directly handed cash to Mr Suthep during his anti-government walk along various streets in the capital yesterday to urge Bangkok residents to come out in full force tomorrow for what he called “picnic on the streets” from 1 pm to 6 pm.
