ISOC called out on 112

Thai Examiner has more on response to ISOC on Chambers case. ISOC’s authority in the case has “raised broader concerns about its understanding of its legal limits under security laws.”

Last Friday, the Military Committee Chairman Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said “he was writing to the National Police Commissioner” on the matter. He said he “wanted to know why this case was not properly investigated …[and] if any steps would be taken to ensure that such charges are not brought without a sound basis in law or properly adduced evidence.”

Wiroj also stated that the case must go to the National Anti-Corruption Commission due to the damage done to the country’s international reputation and diplomatic relations. Wiroj also wondered about the impact on “the image and prestige of the monarchy…”.

A bit late on the latter.

He was targeting the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 3, the Phitsanulok Police Station, and the Phitsanulok Immigration Bureau.

PPT would guess they are doing as they are instructed.

Wiroj said:

“he would accuse them of violations under Sections 172 and 175 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Organic Act. This would be for misconduct by state officials. In addition, they were liable to investigation under Section 134, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This was particularly for failing to examine the credibility of evidence before them before initiating a prosecution…. At the same time, Mr. Wiroj also asserts that there may be grounds for complaint under Section 200, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code. This offence, in particular, relates to when an official coerces another person in pursuit of a conviction on a criminal charge.

Wiroj questioned ISOC’s legal authority in the Chambers’ case: “it appeared no cabinet approval or resolution was made to undertake such a prosecution. Significantly, he said that was required under the Internal Security Act of 2008.”

Of course, may dozens of lese majeste cases have been deliberately mishandled through the (in)justice system. This was noted by the Committee, which demanded a “full NACC probe into misuse of Article 112 and lack of proper legal process.”

The Committee Chairman “warned that Section 112 must not become a reckless tool for political or personal attacks.”