Red-shirt chief seeks new probe into 2010

“Society has been misled into blaming the red shirts for the fire,” she said. 

Thida added that she wanted police to bring to justice those responsible for arson and for killing people during the political mayhem. 

In response to the petition, Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj-General Anuchai Lekbamrung said police had cooperated with the Department of Special Investigation in trying to solve the arson case, which led to an acquittal. Should the red shirts have fresh evidence, police would be happy to pursue the new lead, he said. 

Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Kamronwit Thoopkrajang said he would appoint an investigative panel to re-examine the facts related to the arson case.

Separately, the red shirts will hold a rally next Wednesday at Rajdamnoen Avenue to commemorate the months-long protest in 2010. The April 10 rally is scheduled to run from 1pm to midnight and motorists are advised to avoid that area of Bangkok.