Kattiya, a specialist at the Royal Thai Army, called on National Police Commissioner General Kowit Wattana to punish Seri for allegedly breaking rules on giving interviews to the media.

"He has defamed me. He gave an interview to the media in a way that would convince the public to believe I am guilty, despite the fact that the court has yet to rule on cases against me," Kattiya said when he showed up at the National Police Office.

The Chon Buri Provincial Court has issued an arrest warrant for Kattiya on charges of illegally detaining others and racketeering. Last Friday, Seri showed the arrest warrant for Kattiya to the media.

Kattiya accused Seri of fabricating evidence against him in a bid to obtain the court-approved arrest warrant.

Later in the day, Kattiya went to Government House to seek a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya. Kattiya said he wanted to get a copy of Chidchai's order to establish a special taskforce to crack down on mafia-style figures and to appoint Seri as its head.

"I don't think people in the executive branch can establish a taskforce because such a mandate lies fully with the National Police Office," Kattiya said.

The high-ranking Army officer said he planned to petition to the Administrative Court to revoke any such order.

The Justice Minister refused to meet Kattiya yesterday or to give him a copy of his order. After that, Kattiya turned to reporters and asked if they had a copy of the order.

"If I obtain a copy, I will fight against Seri," he said.