Chat Thai Party deputy leader Chuwit Kamolwisit reports yesterday to the Criminal Court over actions deemed an infringement of court rules. He allegedly took food and drink to prisoners and engaged in verbal attacks with others outside the court on July 2

The move came after Thana, lawyer for caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was ordered to report to Chief Judge Amnuay Thantara to explain his action.

Thana agreed that he gave the interview but insisted his statement was not contempt of court. He said the media had edited and cut short his interview.

After Thana's explanation, the court met and decided that his comments were a contempt of court.

The court ordered an official to file a complaint with police at Phaholyothin police station.

The Court also questioned Chat Thai Party deputy Chuwit Kamolvisit for actions deemed an infringement of rules - bringing food and drink to the court and engaging in verbal attacks with others outside the building on July 25.

Chuwit had claimed earlier he wanted to visit former commissioners Vasana Puemlarp, Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien, who were sentenced to four years in prison and denied bail for malfeasance and other crimes. The three EC officials had earlier disqualified Chuwit as a Bangkok MP.

Chief judge Amnuay and other judges started questioning Chuwit by showing a videotape from a TV station in which Chuwit carried bags of fried rice and coffee to the court after it jailed the commissioners.

The court asked Chuwit what was his purpose for bringing the food.

Chuwit said he intended to visit the three and thought he should bring some food for them. He did not expect there would be a large group of supporters of the EC members and he exchanged verbal attacks with them. He said he acted with no intent to be sarcastic.

The court asked if Chuwit would stand by his explanation.

Chuwit consulted his lawyer, then confessed he had misbehaved on July 25. He asked for the court's mercy and to be lenient with its punishment. The court will rule tomorrow on Chuwit's case.

The court also questioned 12 supporters of the "EC Three" over their actions, deemed infringements, as they had staged a commotion and used abusive language after the court issued its verdict.

The supporters initially denied committing any offences but later confessed after the court showed a videotape as evidence. The court will decide tomorrow whether the 12 committed contempt of court or an infringement against the court depending on the actions of each.

Kesinee Taengkhieo

 The Nation