CAPO’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF 20/03/2014

At 13:00 hrs. Mr. Tharit Pengdit, Secretary-General of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), briefed the press on the outcome of the meeting of the CAPO earlier in the day, gist as follows:

1. The CAPO has received a report on the case against Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, and 58 leaders of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) who have violated the law and caused difficulties for the public by instigating the protesters. Investigation officers, consisted of Royal Thai Police, DSI and attorney General have decided to include their wrong-doing on blocking the election with their previous allegations. Investigation officers will file the case to attorney general in 30 days. If the attorney general issues the injunction against those 58 individuals and they resist to present themselves to Court, the attorney officials may consider requesting the Court to approve for arrest warrants. During the case filling period, the CAPO urged these 58 individuals to present themselves to investigation officers before 31 March, to hear their allegation.

2. The CAPO has received a report from the Metropolitan Police and Provincial Police regional commands regarding the legal proceedings against the election obstructions. So far, there are 194 cases involving election obstructions (51 cases in Bangkok and 143 cases in other provinces) and 178 cases involving the failure of electoral officers to perform their duties (66 cases in Bangkok and 112 cases in other provinces). 193 persons already faced arrest warrants and 152 persons have been arrested.

3. The CAPO reaffirmed that it will continue the process of investigation and prosecution against actions of members of the PDRC that had violated the law in various occasions particularly the elections obstructions. The CAPO would like to draw an attention on progress made on investigation and prosecution, including 26 individuals have been arrested on their violent acts at Panfa Lilat intersection. Yesterday, Mr. Wiwat Yodprasith, known as popcorn gunman, who fired gunshots at Laksi Intersection was also arrested.

CMPO’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF 19/03/2014

March 19, 2014

At 13:00 hrs. Mr.Tharit Pengdit, Director General, Department of Special Investigation, briefed the press on the outcome of the meeting of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) earlier in the day, gist as follows:

1. Following the demonstrations on behalf of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) led by Mr.Suthep Thaugsuban, the demonstrations have violated the law and also caused difficulties for the public by blocking the traffic and blockading government agencies premises. More importantly, the demonstrations have severely affected Thailand especially in terms of economy, social, and tourism. The government has decided to lift the Emergency Decree and enact the Internal Security Act in order to handle the situation. The CAPO has been also established to maintain democracy and enforce the law. Personnel from the military, police, and government officials concerned will be integrated to carry on their duties. The CAPO will be directed by Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung.

2. The CAPO reaffirmed that it will continue the process of investigation and prosecution against actions of members of the PDRC that had violated the law in various occasions particularly the elections obstructions. Today, the Thonburi Criminal Court has approved an arrest warrant against Mr.Chumpol Julasai on the charge of election obstruction.