DSI sees case for lese majeste against Thaksin over Seoul remarks

A source from the DSI added that the police are in agreement but will wait for the final decision by the DSI before they coordinate with public prosecutors to seek cooperation from foreign countries, as the offence was committed abroad.

Paiboon said on Tuesday that the DSI believed the remark made by Thaksin could be deemed to be in violation of Article 112 of the Criminal Code. The  move came as the Office of the Attorney-General set up a team of prosecutors yesterday to jointly work with computer crimes police to look into alleged lese majeste violation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act by Thaksin in his online video clips.

He was speaking after DSI chief Suwana Suwanjuta reported to him about the department’s progress in compiling a watch list of 125 people in connection with lese majeste offences. The list comprises three groups; People who face arrest warrants but are staying abroad; people in the country and are under watch; people whose behaviour is being monitored.

Suwana is expected to submit the list and details of each case to the PM and deputies within next week.

Suwana reported to Paiboon that the DSI found Thaksin’s remarks in South Korea to be in violation of Article 112 and it was up to the police if they agreed with the department.

The Foreign Ministry has revoked Thaksin’s passports and the police are seeking to strip Thaksin’s police rank following his controversial remarks in Seoul two weeks ago.

Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said the move to strip Thaksin of his police rank was not an act of revenge.

“We act in accordance with the law and bring justice. It is not revenge or harassment,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda allayed fears following the discovery of bombs and ammunition hidden in the parking lot of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has also stopped using his car in favour of an armoured van.

Anupong said it was not right to assume that the incidents were repercussions of the move to strip Thaksin of his police rank.

“State officials have to act in accordance with the law regardless of consequences,’’ Anupong said.

He said whether the move to strip Thaksin of his rank may adversely affect national reconciliation efforts or not is a separate matter.