PAD files countersuit against social activists

A lawyer for the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) filed a countersuit against social activist Weng Tojirakarn and six others charging them of making false accusations that the PAD protests at Bangkok's two airports were unlawful and considered terrorism.

On December 3, Dr. Weng and six associates filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division against 12 PAD leaders for violating Article 135 of the Criminal Code for causing serious damage to public transport, the communications system and public utilities.

Dr. Weng said the PAD leaders' role in leading thousands of demonstrators to block the two airports was tantamount to committing a terrorist act.

PAD lawyer Suwat Apaipak said that the protest was not considered terrorism as was accused because the act didn't damage the public transport and communications systems but aimed at pressuring then Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who was scheduled to return home from attending an international meeting in Peru on November 25.

The protesters didn't seize the control tower, the PAD lawyer said, and the Suvarnabhumi Airport director announced the airport closure before the protesters arrived.

The court accepted the countersuit and set a March 2009 date for the preliminary hearing.

Mr. Suwat said he is drafting a letter to the caretaker prime minister, the interior minister, acting national police chief, and his deputy to clarify that the accusation was wrong and the PAD act should not be considered terrorism.

If an inquiry official or any other person continues legal action against PAD or forwards any case to investigate businesses or entrepreneurs who donated funds to finance the PAD protest, the PAD will file suit against that person.

Thousands of PAD protesters stormed and laid siege at Suvarnabhumi Airport on November 25 and seized Don Mueang Airport on the next day, demanding that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat step down.

The protesters ended their siege at the two airports December 3 after the Constitution Court's ruling dissolving the ruling party and two coalition parties, unseating Mr. Somchai. (TNA)