ANTI-GOVT DEMONSTRATORS TAKE PROTEST TO ANTI-GRAFT AGENCIES

BANGKOK, June 7 (TNA) - Anti-government protesters continued the second day of their specially-targeted 'mini-protest strategy' on Friday, dispatching small teams to independent organisations including the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NCCC) to query the progress of corruption cases involving former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his family and former cabinet members. About 200 anti-government protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy rallied Friday outside the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), calling for the authorities to work harder on wrongdoing charges against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and alleged concealment of his SC Asset Corp stocks. In the meantime, another 50 demonstrators rallied outside the office of the National Counter-Corruption Commission, not far from Makkawan Bridge area where they had protested for over a week against the Samak government. The PAD protesters called on the anti-graft agency to speed up probes into charges earlier lodged against the ex-premier and his family. Meanwhile, another 200 PAD protesters rallied outside the office of the Department of Special Investigation, calling for prompt legal action against Mr. Thaksin involving stock concealment charges. Somsak Kosaisuk, a PAD leader, criticised the transfer of Sunai Manomai-udom from the top DSI post as well as those of other officials of the agency which he said might have delayed the probe and done undue favours for the ex-premier. Mr. Somsak said the protesters had been strongly opposed to the constitutional amendment proposals which might lead to the lifting or derailing of varied charges against Mr. Thaksin from the due course of justice. Deputy DSI chief Tharit Phengdit responded that his agency had always followed established rules and procedures governing probes into the wrongdoing and abuse of power charges against the ex-premier and had by no means intimidated any members of the Election Commission or the Assets Examination Committee which had earlier investigated the charges. National Police chief Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan said the authorities had not as yet drawn any deadline for the anti-government protesters to disperse from Rajdamnern Avenue or Makhawan Bridge areas in order to give conveniences to commuters and busy traffic. The police had only been concerned over possibilities that an undetermined "'third hand'' -- an unidentified third party -- might worsen the situation. However, the police would further negotiate with the PAD for an end to the prolonged street protest, he added.