2 Arrest Warrants Issued In Sondhi Assassination Attempt

[hammered]

It is not difficult to find the names of those suspected to be involved. Needless to say it will be difficult to move against such people.

[h90]

To date, it has not been reported clearly whether the military men will be charged with attempted murder or disciplined for poor marksmanship. Should be interesting.

Maybe later they find out, that it was just a misunderstanding and in fact 10 people saw them at the same time somewhere else.

the police documents get somewhere lost...mai pen ray and we are all friends again......

[TAWP]

It is not difficult to find the names of those suspected to be involved. Needless to say it will be difficult to move against such people.

Url for us that cannot find the names?

[hammered]

It is not difficult to find the names of those suspected to be involved. Needless to say it will be difficult to move against such people.

Url for us that cannot find the names?

In English the main suspects are pretty much named many times in the comments sections on Nation political blogs. Bigger discussions on Thai webboards.

[sriracha john]

Rassami Mekchai

Sondhi Limthongkul's vehicle from the time of the shooting in April

Owner Demands Police Return Truck Seized in Sondhi's Case

The owner of the pick-up truck seized for the investigation into the assassination plot against People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul is seeking compensation of 2,000-baht per day if police fail to promptly return the vehicle.

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Thani Sombunsap, who is in charge of the investigation, held a meeting on Wednesday with members of the probe team on Wednesday to follow up on developments in the case.

Meanwhile, Somnuek Tapchot , father of Rassami Mekchai , the owner of the pick-up truck suspected to have been used in the plot, and his lawyer visited the National Police Office to submit a request asking Police General Thani to give the truck back.

Somnuek said a forensic examination of the truck has already been completed and its seizure by police has caused problems to the daily life of his family since it is the sole vehicle they rely on.

He insisted that the truck was not used in the attempt on Sondhi's life and he told the investigators that it was in Lopburi on the day the crime took place in Bangkok.

Somnuek said he has sustained damage because of the confiscation and demanded that police return the truck within 3 days after receiving the petition, or he will take legal action and seek daily compensation at the amount of 2,000 baht.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-22

[sriracha john]

Deputy Police Chief Reveals Progress on Sondhi Assassination Attempt

The Deputy National Police Chief has said he is confident that he has enough time to find the culprits who made an attempt on the life of People Alliance's for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul, before he retires in two months.

Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Thanee Somboonsap, said the police have brainstormed on how to accelerate the process of investigation and to assess the evidence they have gathered so far, to decide if they are sufficient to ask the court for an additional warrant.

Previously, Thanee met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to brief him on the progress of the case and Abhisit stated that the culprits must be brought to justice.

Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects implicated in this case, but none of them has turned himself in.

He said the supervisors of Police Corporal Worawut Moongsanti, one of the suspects from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, should help bring him to the police.

Assistant National Police Chief Police Lieutenant-General Assawin Kwanmuang has been tasked with bringing the suspects to the police. Thanee believes neither has fled the country.

Meanwhile, the police team has contacted the Department of Special Investigation regarding a car that is believed to have been used by Worawut.

Thanee does not believe the two suspects are hiding at the residences of high-ranking officers. The investigation also revealed that former Army Chief General and Defence Minister Chettha Thanajaro was not involved in the attempted assassination.

Further, Thanee added that the police found the suspects' hideouts, but they could not make immediate arrests as it took time for them to follow legal procedures, which allowed the suspects to escape.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-23

[sriracha john]

Deputy Police Chief Denies Rift with Boss over Sondhi's Case

The deputy national police chief denies a rift between him and his superior over the investigation into the assassination attempt on People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul. He also reiterated the issuance of arrest warrants against suspects in the shooting is not meaningless.

Deputy national police chief Police General Thani Sombunsap, chief investigator in the assassination attempt case of the People's Alliance for Democracy core leader Sondhi Limthongkol, said his team is still unable to locate the two suspects wanted for the crime. However, Thani insisted the arrest warrants issued against them will not be meaningless.

In response to news about more arrest warrants, Thani said the investigation is still underway and that the probe team is currently collecting more evidence. However, he declined to give a deadline for the new warrants.

The deputy police chief said even if the suspects are police officers under his command, any legal action against them will be made within the scope of law. He added that they will not be given any privilege. Similar treatment will also be given to any soldiers suspected to have played a key role in the assassination attempt against Sondhi.

Earlier, Thani told reporters many threats have been made against the investigation team. But he declined to give any information about those who have resigned from the team.

The progress of the investigation is reported to national police chief Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Thani's direct superior, every 15 days. Despite news of possible disagreement between Thani and Patcharawat over the case, Thani insisted there is no rift between him and his boss.

Meanwhile, appointed Senator Police Colonel Sonthaya Saengpoa has shown his support for Thani and his team. Sonthaya praised the chief investigator for his dedication and determination to work transparenly and honestly.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-23

[sriracha john]

PM to oversee Sondhi’s assassination case

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjaijva said on Saturday afternoon that he will step in to oversee the probe on the attempt to kill Sondhi Limthongkul, a core leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

Mr Abhisit stated that he would need about one or two days to study the reports by his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban and Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap, the deputy police chief and chief investigator of Mr Sondhi’s assassination case, as the they were different.

He said he will seek more information in order to come up with an appropriate solution to the problem.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-25

[sriracha john]

PM: More time needed to consider conflicting information on Sondhi case

BANGKOK, July 25 (TNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Saturday afternoon he needed a day or two more to consider conflicting evidence and evaluations on the attempted murder of Sondhi Limthongkul in April.

Mr Abhisit said he had received police reports Friday on the attempted murder of Mr Sondhi, a leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and found that several items of information in the reports were different.

Evidence given by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, responsible for domestic security, has its own sources, Mr Abhisit said, adding that he would not comment now.

Stressing that the attempted murder is not related to politics, Mr Abhisit said if he must make a decision on the case, consider all the information and then take appropriate action.

Mr Sondhi was ambushed by gunmen in a pick-up truck on his way to work on April 17. He was hit by gunfire but recovered after an operation.

The media magnate is a key PAD leader, the so-called "Yellow Shirts", whose leaders now face charges related to the seizure of Bangkok’s two commercial airports late last year in their mass protests against the then government of Somchai Wongsawat, a major ally of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Meanwhile, Mr Suthep denied press reports on having conflicts with Mr. Abhisit over the plan to remove national police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan for the delay over the case.

Suthep said deputy national police chief Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap, who supervised the investigation on the shooting of the media mogul, reported to him Friday on the progress of the investigation.

He said Gen Thani would continue to head the investigation team although the police officer is about to retire from service soon” as he believed more warrants could be issued in the case.

-- TNA 2009-07-25

[sriracha john]

Sondhi case to be clear next week

The Sondhi shooting case should be clear next week, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Sunday.

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul was ambushed by a group of gunmen in a pick-up truck while he was on his way to work on April 16.

"The case is still unclear due to the conflicting information and it will take some time to gather and combine information from all sides," Mr Abhisit said.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-26

[sriracha john]

PM requires two days to find Sondhi case´s facts

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva demanded a couple of days to check Mr Sondhi Limthongkul's assassination attempt case, while Deputy Prime Minister denied conflict with the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister declared that he had received report on Mr Sondhi's case from Mr Suthep despite various different opinions from related-officials, but keen to search for the fact by himself within a couple of days.

Meanwhile, Mr Suthep denied any argument with the Prime Minister on removing Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Patcharavat Wongsuwan from his post, while affirming that Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner-General Thanee Somboonsap will collect more evidence and witnesses and propose to the court for additional arrest warrants.

-- NNT 2009-07-25

[sriracha john]

PM 'needs more time' to look into evidence

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that he needed another day or two to consider the conflicting evidence and evaluations in the attempted murder of Sondhi Limthongkul.

Abhisit said he would spend the weekend trying to find the missing facts in order to complete the picture.

The premier said he had received conflicting reports from those involved with the investigation.

He obtained police reports on Friday about the murder attempt in April on Sondhi, a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and found that several items of information in the reports were contradictory.

Evidence given by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, responsible for domestic security, had its own sources, Abhisit said, adding that he would not comment on the matter now.

Abhisit said that if he had to make a decision on the case, he would consider all the information and then take appropriate action. He insisted that he had no intention of interfering with the police investigation and was merely trying to eliminate obstacles.

On April 17, Sondhi's vehicle was ambushed by gunmen in a pick-up truck on his way to work. He was hit by gunfire but recovered after an operation.

The media magnate is a key PAD leader, the so-called yellow shirts, whose leaders now face charges related to the seizure of Bangkok's two commercial airports late last year in their mass protests against the then government of Somchai Wongsawat, a major ally of convicted former ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Meanwhile, Suthep denied press reports on conflict with Abhisit over the plan to remove national police chief Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan for the delay over the case.

Suthep said deputy national police chief Police General Thani Somboonsap, who supervised the investigation on the shooting of the media mogul, had reported to him on Friday on the progress of the investigation. He said Thani would continue to head the investigation team although he was about to retire from service soon as he believed more warrants could be issued.

Reports had it that Thani had informed the prime minister that Patcharawat stood in the way of the investigation. The reports led to speculation that the national police chief would be sacked.

In a related development, banned politician Chaturon Chaisang yesterday called on the prime minister to be decisive and courageous in dealing with the Sondhi case.

"If the police investigation hits a snag, the prime minister should support the police in their work so that the culprits are brought to justice," he said.

Chaturon, ex-leader of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, is among the party's former executives stripped of their electoral rights for five years. He also called on the prime minister to offer protection to the police investigators, who he said were being threatened by the PAD.

PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan yesterday called on the prime minister to remove the national police chief for allegedly obstructing the investigation into the attempt on Sondhi's life.

"Indecision will certainly affect public confidence. The prime minister has to make up his mind. It is not his duty to just stay afloat day by day," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-07-26

[catmac]

So far all that we have heard from Little Mark is a load of hogwash, coupled with a never ending plea for "more time".

As I said in another thread, anyone who believes that the small fry will ever appear in court to, maybe, spill the beans on who the real masterminds of this attempt to silence Sondhi were, is living in cloud-cuckoo land.

[stumonster]

So far all that we have heard from Little Mark is a load of hogwash, coupled with a never ending plea for "more time".

do you think he should be using the normal method - consult his favourite astrologer ?

[sriracha john]

Clear conscience, cloudy outlook

Special Branch Chief Theeradet Rodphothong faces losing his job if the National Police Chief is sidelined over the Sondhi Limthongkul case. National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon's job is thought to be on the line amid claims police have interfered in the case involving the attempt on the life of Mr Sondhi, a People's Alliance for Democracy core leader.

The Democrats have long been unhappy with Pol Lt Gen Theeradet. He has a proven track record but has made it clear he will not be subservient to the needs of any politicians.

He was assistant commander of the Border Patrol Police Bureau before serving two stints in charge of the Special Branch Police Division. His first stint (between October 2006 and February 2007) was cut short when national police chief Sereepisut Taemeeyaves transferred him to the inactive post of police inspector-general.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2098...-cloudy-outlook

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-27

[marshbags]

Clear conscience, cloudy outlook

Special Branch Chief Theeradet Rodphothong faces losing his job if the National Police Chief is sidelined over the Sondhi Limthongkul case. National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon's job is thought to be on the line amid claims police have interfered in the case involving the attempt on the life of Mr Sondhi, a People's Alliance for Democracy core leader.

The Democrats have long been unhappy with Pol Lt Gen Theeradet. He has a proven track record but has made it clear he will not be subservient to the needs of any politicians.

He was assistant commander of the Border Patrol Police Bureau before serving two stints in charge of the Special Branch Police Division. His first stint (between October 2006 and February 2007) was cut short when national police chief Sereepisut Taemeeyaves transferred him to the inactive post of police inspector-general.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2098...-cloudy-outlook

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-27

Seems like a good cop to me and the sort Thailand deperately needs if if it is to move away from the inbred / inbreeding culture of years gone by that desperately need leaving as they ought to be...in the past !!!

marshbags

[hammered]

This case could end up in a coup or an attempted one if pushed where it seems to go. What happens if it isnt pushed though? Thani reitres in September. That isnt far off. Names are out there in the public domain already.

[sriracha john]

Three new suspects in Sondhi attack

Police will this week seek arrest warrants for at least three more suspects in the shooting of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul, assistant police chief Pol Lt-Gen Assawin Kwanmuang said on Monday.

Pol Lt-Gen Assawin said there was firm evidence that the three suspects were part of the team of gunmen who attacked the van in which Mr Sondhi was travelling on April 17 at the Bang Khun Phrom intersection in Bangkok. He declined to reveal if they were civilians or men in uniform.

He said he had assured the prime minister that the case had not reached an impasse when he briefed him at Government House on Sunday. Whether the masterminds would ever be brought to justice depended on the evidence and witness testimony.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...-in-sondhi-case

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-27

[sriracha john]

Police pursue three more in Sondhi case

Police are seeking arrest warrants for three more suspects in the attempted assassination of Sondhi Limthongkul, a key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy movement. Assistant police chief Assawin Kwanmuang yesterday said court approval would be sought this week for the arrest of three more suspects.

Pol Lt Gen Assawin, a member of the police team investigating the case, refused to name the suspects but nodded when asked if they included soldiers. A police source said the three suspects were attached to the Special Warfare Command based in Lop Buri province.

One was a sub-lieutenant and the other two sergeant majors. The move came after new evidence found by investigators linked the three to the April 17 attack on Sondhi on a Bangkok street on his way to work in his van.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2104...-in-sondhi-case

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-28

[sriracha john]

SMOOTHENING SONDHI PROBE

Police Chief goes on month's leave

Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan has taken leave of about 30 days from his office, giving Police General Thanee Somboonsap a free hand in his investigation into the assassination attempt on media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul.

Patcharawat's leave is a result of a compromise between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thaugsuban, the deputy prime minister, who has been keen to protect the police chief. Abhisit has been under pressure to sack Patcharawat, who is understood to have stood in the way of Thanee's investigation.

Abhisit took an unusual step by holding an impromptu news conference at The Emporium department store in Bangkok and announcing Patcharawat's leave. He was supposed to hold the news conference earlier in the morning, but it had to be delayed due to further behind-the-scenes negotiations for the best face-saving way out.

Abhisit said that starting next week, Patcharawat would take leave for 10 days, after which period he would be allowed to rest further so that the police chief would be out of his office for about a month. This move was initiated by Patcharawat himself, who also recommended that the annual reshuffle of police officers be suspended for the time being.

Abhisit did not spell out the person who would succeed or replace Patcharawat during his absence, but it is understood that Thanee's role will expand as he is ready to issue arrest warrants for more suspects allegedly involved in the attempted murder of Sondhi.

"The police chief should not take leave until his mandatory retirement [in October]. I believe that during this time there should be enough time to complete the investigation into the Sondhi case," Abhisit said.

Panthep Wongphuaphand, a spokesman of the People's Alliance for Democracy, told ASTV that Patcharawat's leave would be a good way out. "I hope that the investigation of the Sondhi case will be able to carry on without anybody's losing face."

The case has reached a climax. Thanee and his team have issued arrest warrants for two suspects, one a junior military officer and the other a police officer attached to the Department of Special Investigation. Sondhi has accused the military in power, including some key elements of the red shirts, of being masterminds behind the attempt to kill him in April this year. If successful, the killing would have created political turmoil to the extent that a military intervention would have been justified.

More specifically, Sondhi has charged that 13 military officers and one police officer were involved in the attempted assassination. If Thanee could issue a second round of arrest warrants for the middle-level suspects, he would then be one step away from the masterminds in the Sondhi case.

Abhisit is under pressure from the Democrat Party to proceed with the Sondhi case and to remove anybody standing in the way. Sondhi and his yellow-shirted supporters are ready to come onto the streets to rally against Abhisit if the prime minister were to let the murder case lie dead in the water.

At the same time, the police and military in power, as well as the Bhum Jai Thai coalition partner, have threatened to withdraw their support of the government if Abhisit were to sack Patcharawat. Suthep, who has been giving full backing to Patcharawat, is reported to have flown off to Hong Kong to avoid the growing political turbulence at home.

-- The Nation 2009-08-01

[sriracha john]

Police boss 'to take leave'

Would take heat off govt in Sondhi case

National police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon's proposal to take leave will take a lot of heat off the government in the Sondhi shooting case. It will also give the government a chance to reorganise the police force in the annual reshuffle.

Police General Patcharawat's offer yesterday to take 10 days' leave to go on a mission overseas and put on hold the police reshuffle has apparently come as a relief to the Abhisit government. His proposal came amid rumours he would be sacked to allow a probe into the attempted assassination of core People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul to proceed.

The government was under pressure to take action after police investigators led by deputy police chief Thanee Somboonsap complained that the investigation had run into difficulties.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2126...s-to-take-leave

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-01

[sriracha john]

PAD urges PM to sack Police Chief

An embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva came under mounting pressure yesterday as the powerful People's Alliance for Democracy continued to press for him to remove the National Police Chief while the opposition threatened to seek his impeachment.

PAD spokesman Panthep Pua-pongpan said the PM had the power to prevent Police Chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan from wielding influence by citing irregularities in the Bt18-million public-relation fund or the October 7 incident to transfer Patcharwat to an inactive post.

"The PM must realise that the government's stability depends on the people's support not three or four people who try to wield influence over him,'' he said.

PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul warned the ruling Democrats they could be in for political trouble if the prime minister "remains idle" regarding the post of national police chief.

Panthep also urged the PM to make a bold and decisive decision as to who would replace Patcharawat as caretaker national police chief. He said if the PM did not intervene and let Police General Priewpan Damapong, who is most senior, take the top post the Sondhi shooting case would be even more entangled because Priewpan was part of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's family.

Priewpan is the brother of Pojaman Damapong, Thaksin's former wife.

Patcharawat countered Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's public announcement that the national police chief had taken 30 days leave by saying he would return from his official overseas trip and come back to work on Monday.

He said the national police chief was fighting back because he did not want to allow any interference in the annual police reshuffle.

Abhisit has been trying to remove stumbling blocks faced by police in the investigation into the assassination attempt on Sondhi by proposing that Patcharawat, who is believed to have stood in the way of police investigation, take leave if he did not want to be transferred.

Panthep said there had been a behind-the-scenes deal before Abhisit announced that Patcharawat would take a long leave and the national police chief fought back by countering Abhisit's statement.

Abhisit appeared moody when reporters pressed him to account for the conflicting stories, insisted that he had talked to all top officials in charge of security including Patcharat, Defence Ministry Prawit Wongsuwan and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban before Friday and there had not been any problem.

"Everything is all right. Only some people with something to lose are trying to blow up the affair out of proportion, but that is normal,'' he said.

Asked to comment on reports about political interference in the police reshuffle, Abhisit refused to answer and walked away.

The premier said he had no conflict with the top police officer and believed that some groups wanted to manipulate the issue for their own political gain.

Abhisit declined to say who would be appointed acting chief while Patcharawat was absent.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the opposition party was planning to seek the impeachment of Abhisit for interfering in the annual police reshuffle. He said the PM might have violated the Constitution by suspending the reshuffle. "It is possible that the delay in the reshuffle is because politicians want to be in control of the police when the next general election is held,'' he said.

He said the party would gather the signatures of one-fourth of MPs to submit to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet next week to launch impeachment proceeding against the PM.

The prime minister said yesterday that he was not concerned by the impeachment plan, the Thai News Agency reported.

Stressing that he had violated neither the law nor the Constitution, Abhisit said he had done nothing wrong, despite charges to the contrary from Pheu Thai members.

-- The Nation 2009-08-02

[animatic]

The opposition opposes 100%, regardless of logic or benefit to the country.

What eose is new?

[sriracha john]

Police foresee progress in Sondhi case

After a meeting with the prime minister, top investigators in the Sondhi shooting case expressed optimism yesterday that the probe would make headway.

Deputy national police chief General Thanee Somboonsap and assistant police chief Lt-General Assawin Kwanmuang expressed their optimism after briefing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva about the investigation into the attempted killing of media magnate Sondhi Limthongkul.

The senior officers met the prime minister at Government House for almost an hour.

Assawin told reporters afterwards that the police investigation was still continuing and that investigators were collecting evidence surrounding the attempted murder of Sondhi, which took place on April 17.

"There is no dead end yet. We are making progress. Please give us some more time," Assawin said.

He said the prime minister had asked him whether the investigation would make further progress and he had replied that it could.

When asked if more progress would be made now that the national police chief, General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, was on leave for an overseas trip, Assawin said the investigators would do their job whether the police chief was in Thailand or not.

However, he declined to say whether police would issue more arrest warrants as they had to seek approval from the court.

The prime minister said he had met with Thanee and Assawin to discuss the investigation of the Sondhi case and that they had told him that they had met with no difficulty. Abhisit said he had ordered the officers to find the culprits because the public was "watching and criticising.

Comments by the senior policemen came after the national police chief decided to take 10 days' leave for a mission overseas and possibly extend it by another 30 days.

The police investigators, led by Thanee, have complained that investigation of the case has run into difficulties as information has been leaked by unnamed senior police officers. Some critics pointed the finger at the police chief.

Arrest warrants were earlier issued for two non-commissioned officers for alleged involvement in the attempt on Sondhi's life. The two suspects still at large are identified as Pol Corporal Worawut Mungsanthi of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and Sgt-Major 1st Class Panya Srihaera of the Army's Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri.

-- The Nation 2009-08-02

[sriracha john]

Suspect in Sondhi's Case Files Suit against Chief Investigator

The lawyer of one of the two suspects in the assassination attempt against People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul has filed a malfeasance suit against the chief investigator of the case on his client's behalf.

Sergeant Panya Srihera, formerly of the Special Warfare Unit in Lop Buri and a suspect in the assassination case against People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, leader Sondhi Limthongkul, has sent his lawyer Banyat Jityen to file a malfeasance suit against deputy national police chief Police General Thani Sombunsap, chief investigator of the case.

He also pressed the same charge against Police Colonel Wicharnwat Barirakkul , who sought the arrest warrant against him.

Panya submitted evidence to accompany his suit, arguing that he was not in Bangkok when Sondhi was attacked on April 17.

The evidence comprised photos showing him taking part in a merit-making rite at Dindaeng Temple in Trat province, with former defence minister General Chetta Thanajaro presiding over the ceremony.

The lawyer said his client is worried about his safety and justice if he turns himself in now but he promised to bring Panya to meet police before October 5. He said he has no way to directly contact his client, who is on the run, except through relatives.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-03

[sriracha john]

A suspect in Sondhi case files suit against Thani

Army Sergeant-Major Panya Srihe-ra, wanted over the assassination attempt on media mogul Sondhi Limthongkujl, on Monday filed a suit against Deputy National Police Chief Thani Somboonsap and another police, accusing them of malfeasance in office.

Panya Srihera from the Lop Buri Special Warfare Centre had his lawyer Banyat Jityen file suit against Thani, chief investigator of the Sondhi case and Pol Col Wicharnwat Borrirakkul, an investigator under the Metropolitan Police Bureau, accusing them of violating Article 157 and 200 of the Criminal Law.

The suit said Thani and a team of 10 police in charge of the Sondhi case had accused the defendant of being one of the suspects in the attempt on Sondhi's life, carrying arms in public places, shooting guns in public and attempted premeditated murder, which was not true.

The suit said on the day the incident took place, Panya was in the committee to make and offering of robes and other needs to monks at Wat Din Daeng in Trad's Khao Saming District. The defendant was fired from the office as a result of the plaintiffs' accusation. The plaintiff's family has also been humiliated.

The suit said the defendant would surrender to police when he was ensured of his own safety before a preliminary hearing.

The Criminal Court accepted the suit and scheduled the preliminary hearing for October 5.

Banyat said he met Panya at a restaurant in Bangkok's Pracha Chuen area after his relatives asked him to represent him in the case. Panya promised him that he would surrender to face charges before the preliminary hearing.

Banyat said he would summon four witnesses to the preliminary hearing to prove that Panya was at the merit-making ceremony chaired by General Chetta Thanajaro. He said he also had photos and VCDs that showed Panya was at the ceremony to be presented to the court.

-- The Nation 2009-08-03

[hammered]

If he has an alibi why didnt he just give the evidence to the police via his lawyer if afraid? This culture of suit and counter suit is ridiculous.

[sriracha john]

Investigator: Warrants in Sondhi Case Backed by Strong Evidence

A lead investigator for the assassination attempt against People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul called on the suspects in the case to turn themselves in instead of filing counter suits against investigators after one of them did so.

Sergeant Panya Srihera , formerly of the Special Warfare Unit in Lop Buri and a suspect in the assassination attempt case of People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, leader Sondhi Limthongkul, has sent his lawyer Banyat Jityen to file a malfeasance suit against deputy national police chief Police General Thani Sombunsap, chief investigator of the case. He also pressed the same charge against Police Colonel Wicharnwat Barirakkul , who sought the arrest warrant against him.

Panya submitted evidence to accompany his suit, arguing that he was not in Bangkok when Sondhi was attacked on April 17. The evidence comprised photos showing him taking part in a merit-making rite at Dindaeng Temple in Trat province, with former defence minister General Chetta Thanajaro presiding over the ceremony.

The lawyer said his client is worried about his safety and justice if he turns himself in now but he promised to bring Panya to meet police before October 5, which is the day the court scheduled the hearing into this complaint. He said he met with his client at a restaurant in Bangkok recently but has no way to directly contact his client, who is on the run.

Meanwhile, assistant national police chief Police Lieutenant General Asawin Kwanmuang confirmed the issuance of arrest warrants in this case is based on strong evidence and backed by support from the court.

He advised Sergeant Panya to turn himself in rather than fight the arrest warrant with a malfeasance suit against investigators. He added that the alibi and photographs presented by the suspect are too weak and questioned who would be making merit at 4 a.m., when the photographs were reportedly taken.

Asawin said the Prime Minister has not set deadline for the investigation team to complete the case. He also voiced his personal view whether national police chief Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan is in the country or abroad, the investigation team can still continue with its work. He said the team want to get their hands on Sondhi's shooters first before getting the mastermind.

The officer said the chief investigator wants to close the case before his retirement in October but if he can not, there will definitely be capable officers to take over the investigation. He said police are now seeking more evidence for the issuance of additional arrest warrants.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-03

[stumonster]

with former defence minister General Chetta Thanajaro presiding over the ceremony.

who brokered the peace deal in the south

Chettha Thanajaro, a former Army chief and defence minister, claimed to have brokered the "breakthrough" in the armed conflict with the help of unnamed foreign countries and international agencies.

I wonder if he will vouch for Sergeant Panya Srihera before they examine the VCD

[sriracha john]

Police boss vows to tough it out

National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon on Monday said he had no intention to leave the job before his scheduled retirement from the Royal Thai Police on Sept 30. Police General Patcharawat, who will go to China on official business for about 10 days and then take leave until the end of the month, said he would not resign or take early retirement.

He said his relationship with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva remains solid. Mr Abhisit earlier announced that Police General Patcharawat offered to go on a business trip to allow police investigating the attack on People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul a free.

It has been alleged that the police chief has hindered the investigation.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1509...ay-til-last-day

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-03