MoU on witness protection measures signed

The Royal Thai Police and the National Anti-Corruption Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the provision of protection measures for witnesses in graft cases.

NACC president Panthep Klanarongran said the NACC needed police to provide protection to encourage more witnesses to give information on cases related to corruption. However, there needs to be further deliberation on the measures for keeping witnesses safe both after an arrest warrant is issued and while the suspects are in custody prior to coming to trial.

The MOU states that a coordination unit between the two agencies must be set up. NACC is responsible for sending the witness names and request for witness protection as well as the period of protection requested. With the budget of the NACC, police must provide effective protection to the witnesses. Operational reports are to be prepared every six months.