PM orders tightened security for Constitution Court judges

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BANGKOK, Nov 30 - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday instructed security concerned agencies to step up security measures for the country's Constitution Court judges following their ruling to dismiss the high-profile Democrat Party dissolution case, while a group allied to the 'Red Shirt' movement staged a symbolic protest outside the court compound amid tight security.

The so-called "People who love justice and democracy", ally to the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) led by Palot Chalermsaen, turned up outside the Constitution Court offices in the Government Complex in the Chaeng Wattana area Tuesday morning. They wore black clothing and performed a religious rite as if it was a funeral as a symbolic expression in response to Monday's court decision.

The protesters called on the judges to clarify their verdict to the public and then walked to the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in the next building, urging the poll agency to bring the Democrat dissolution case back for a new round of prosecution.

Security measures have been tightened at the Constitution Court and the Election Commission offices with a number of police officers deployed to maintain order, but the protest ended without violence.

Six Constitution Court judges voted 4:2 Monday afternoon to dismiss the case against the country's oldest political party over its alleged misuse of Bt29 million ($960,000) in political campaign funding, saying the filing complaint process lodged by EC was unlawful, sparking criticism among some groups including the opposition Puea Thai Party over what they claim is a double standard.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting that Prime Minister Abhisit has instructed Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who oversees national security to tighten security measures for the Constitution Court judges.

The premier also asked Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Ongart Klampaiboon to distribute and publicise the details of court ruling to the public in order to avoid any misunderstanding on the case, said Dr Panitan.

As this week is considered important with many royal ceremonies and government events to be held, the spokesman added, the prime minister has instructed Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, in his capacity as director of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), to maintain order during this period.

The premier told ministries and agencies holding celebrations marking His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec 5 should coordinate with CRES so that the events run smoothly. (MCOT online news)