People who insulted AEC could face criminal charges

The Assets Examination Committee (AEC) plans to take legal action against those supporters of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's children who verbally insulted AEC members on Wednesday at the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).

AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengreung said he would ask security officials at the office for videotape footage showing the rowdy scene staged by Thaksin supporters in which they verbally insulted AEC members when Pinthongta Shinawatra arrived to testify to the AEC.

He said officials would check whether they were the same ones who were sentenced to jail for contempt of court and offending the court upon hearing the Criminal Court verdict issued against the three former election commissioners last July 25. Some are still under a one-year suspended-jail term.

Sak said the behaviour of the Thaksin supporters was unacceptable, especially when they insulted AEC chairman Nam Yimyaem.

"We will not allow anyone who is not involved with the case to enter the OAG compound next time," he said.

Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka said she would not personally take legal action against the Thaksin supporters.

AEC member Udom Fuangfung said the AEC would take the supporters to court if it found they were the same group of people who committed contempt of court last year.

Shin Corp executive Bhanapot Damapong yesterday postponed his appointment to testify to the AEC. He was scheduled to give his testimony today.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

Bancha Khaengkhan

The Nation Thailand
Sunday January 28, 2007