Arrest warrant issued for Thaksin on terrorism charges

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA) – As sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Thailand’s Criminal Court on Tuesday approved an arrest warrant for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on terrorism charges in connection with the violent protest of the Red Shirts.

Mr Thaksin stands accused of masterminding and funding the violent events of the Red Shirts which led to grenade attacks and arson in the Thai capital and provinces in the North and Northeast during the past week.

The DSI earlier asked the court to issue arrest warrants for Mr Thaksin and nine Red Shirt leaders on terrorism charges. The court issued warrants for three of them, saying the other six already have outstanding warrants carrying similar charges.

The DSI presented more evidence regarding Mr Thaksin’s connection with the movement on Monday

After court approval, DSI deputy secretary-general Pol Col Narat Savetanant said it is a duty of the Attorney-General’s Office to bring Mr Thaksin back to face legal action in the kingdom.

Deposed by a military coup in September 2006, Mr Thaksin is now living in exile abroad after evading a two-year jail term for violating a law on conflict of interest regarding a controversial Bangkok prime land purchase.

The fugitive ex-premier who usually stays in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, was recently seen at the Cannes Festival in France during the intensified Red Shirt campaign in Thailand last week.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva commented on the arrest for Mr Thaksin on terrorism charges will help facilitate coordination with foreign countries.

As soon as the warrant was issued against him, Mr Thaksin tweeted in his social network page Twitter.com that “I’m being unfairly accused with fabricated evidence of being [a] terrorist, attempting to overthrow monarchy”

The fugitive premier said he never feel discouraged and vowed to fight against injustice in the Thai society.

The court also approved the request of the Thai police Crime Suppression Division for a further seven-day detention of five other key Red Shirt leaders who were arrested under the Emergency Decree since May 19.

The extension of detention until June 1 came amid concerns over possible instigation if the protest leaders are released.

Meanwhile, another Red Shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan, turned himself in to the DSI for first questioning over the terrorism charge on Monday.

Mr Jatuporn, who is also an opposition Puea Thai MP, surrendered to police May 19, together with other top Red Shirt leaders, but he was released as he has parliamentary immunity.

Another Puea Thai member of parliament, Wichien Khaokam who represents Udon Thani, and who has been accused on the same charge, also reported to the DSI with Mr Jatuporn.

In Thailand terrorism charges carry a maximum penalty of death. (TNA)