DSI takes no chances on security

Hundreds of police officers to be on hand today as Abhisit, Suthep appear to hear murder charges

Some 400 police officers will today be deployed to maintain order at the offices of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), where the two top Democrats - Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thaugsuban - are scheduled to report to hear charges in connection with the 2010 political violence.

"The process for booking and interrogating Abhisit and Suthep should last no more than three hours," DSI director-general Tarit Pengdith said.

Tarit said the police deployment was a precaution to pre-empt any disturbances involving supporters and opponents of the Democrats.

The DSI's grounds, including the first floor of the car park, would be declared off limits to non-staff, he said.

Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj-General Parinya Chansuriya said police would keep the rival groups from confronting one another.

Even though the red shirts have said they would not show up, security measures would still be implemented for safety reasons, Parinya said.

He said he expected some 100 Democrat supporters to appear in a show of moral support for Abhisit and Suthep.

Abhisit said he and Suthep would duly report to face charges as per the DSI summons.

He said he had no objection to complying with the four DSI conditions imposed in lieu of a bail hearing, since he had no intent to flee.

The conditions include prior approval for travelling abroad and refraining from evidence tampering.

"I still believe the DSI has pinned a flag to fault me and Suthep," he said.

He vowed to fight the charges, saying justice will prevail once the judiciary renders its decision.

"If the court finds me guilty, then so be it, as I am willing to face capital punishment," he said, reminding fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to follow his lead by agreeing to serve his two-year jail term.

Regarding a planned rally by Democrat supporters, he said the rally should take place at the party's headquarters and not at the DSI.

The two Democrats will be at the headquarters before reporting to the DSI.

Red-shirt leader Paiboon Akararattanadilok from Pathum Thani said there would be no red-shirt rally at the DSI, as the group wants to avoid being seen as tampering with the legal proceedings.

"The legal process should be allowed to run its course as victims of the political violence want to see justice served to the culprits," he said.

He said even Abhisit had admitted in a recent BBC interview that live ammunition was used against the crowds.

He said no one was above the law and Abhisit would be liable for the death penalty if found guilty.

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/12/13/dsi-takes-no-chances-on-security/