Protest probe panel head: Investigation focuses on fact-finding for reconciliation

BANGKOK, June 11 (TNA) – The newly-appointed head of an independent probe panel tasked to provide an impartial assessment of what happened in Thailand’s worst ever domestic violence– the recent Red Shirt protests– on Friday said his investigation will focus on fact-finding for national reconciliation, not attempt to find culprits for prosecution.

At least 89 persons were killed and nearly 1,200 were wounded during the confrontation between army personnel and Red Shirt protesters. Most casualties occurred on April 10 at Ratchadamnoen Avenue’s Khok Wua intersection and on May 19 when the army sealed off Ratchaprasong intersection.

Speaking at a news conference after being appointed by the cabinet to head the fact-finding panel over last month’s violent clashes between troops and Red Shirt protesters, panel chief Kanit Na Nakorn conceded it is hard to work under political divisiveness and complication concerning information of persons involved with the incidents.

Thailand’s former attorney-general however pledged he would conduct the investigation in accordance with the law.

The panel head also said it will take time to find panel members acceptable to all parties with all sectors, regardless of their ‘colour’ group, being urged to take part.

The cabinet earlier gave Mr Kanit 15 days to find the panel members.

Permanent Secretary for Justice Kittipong Kittayarak and the director of Office of Justice Affairs Witthaya Suriyawong will temporarily work as the panel’s secretariat until Mr Kanit finds appropriate persons to join his team.

Mr Kanit stated the panel will focus on establishing the facts with the intention of achieving reconciliation rather than finding culprits for punishment, as the cases are now in judicial process.

The former attorney-general added he will visit and discuss with key Red Shirt leader Veera Musikapong now detained at Naresuan border patrol police camp in Petchaburi province on Monday, hoping he will obtain useful information and advice from the protest leader.

Mr Kanit said he also plans to visit some six or seven groups of the country’s key figures to seek advice.

Regarding criticism from some parties over his appointment as panel head, Mr Kanit said he was concerned in carrying out his work although he had earlier been assigned similar tasks for several times, but pledged to contribute his best for the nation. (TNA)