Chaiwat held for further questioning

Written by changthai11 on Sunday, October 5th, 2008

The Criminal Court yesterday approved a police request to detain Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a leading member of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, for another 12 days for questioning.

Mr Chaiwat, who was arrested on Friday on an insurrection charge, was accused of leading PAD supporters in blocking Mittraphan road in Nakhon Ratchasima on the day PAD demonstrators in Bangkok stormed and occupied Government House.

He questioned police motives for seeking his detention, but is not planning to seek bail for the time being.

In their request, police claimed they needed more time to question the suspect and witnesses.

Mr Chaiwat said he would first wait for a ruling on the arrest warrants against the nine PAD leaders, including himself, by the Appeals Court. The ruling is expected tomorrow.

The PAD has petitioned the court, arguing that insurrection charges were too severe.

After the extension was granted, Mr Chaiwat was taken back to the Bangkok Remand Prison in Chatuchak district.

About 100 PAD supporters turned up to give him moral support at the Criminal Court amid tight security.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday Mr Chaiwat’s arrest would not affect the ongoing talks between the PAD and government representative and Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to end the country’s political crisis.

He played down the arrest, which was seen as a blow to the negotiation process, saying it was in line with the justice system and no one should interfere with it.

He also expressed confidence that Gen Chavalit would be able to reach an amicable settlement with the PAD.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday voiced concern about the talks, which appeared at one stage to be on the brink of collapse following Mr Chaiwat’s arrest.

He said the arrest may complicate efforts to resolve the conflict, as it could push the PAD allies in the provinces to join the protest at Government House.