A senior police officer was culpable of abuse of power for ordering his men to assault protesters shouting at then premier Thaksin Shinawatra last year, the chairman of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) said yesterday.

Panthep Klanarongran said Police Colonel Ritthirong Thepchanda, a former Metropolitan Police superintendent, failed to protect innocent people during fights that erupted between supporters and opponents of Thaksin at CentralWorld shopping complex on August 21, although he was at the scene.

Instead, he said, Ritthirong told his officers to arrest Vichai Ua-piyaphan and Ritthirong Likhitprasertkul, who were among the anti-Thaksin protestors, leading to an assault on both protesters by the officers and some of Thaksin's supporters, who were believed to be policemen in civilian clothes.

The officer failed to arrest those who attacked the protesters, Panthep said.

The nine NCCC members were unanimous in the decision that the colonel had a case to answer. The clashes on August 21 occurred shortly after Thaksin departed CentralWorld. His attendance at the opening of the Digital Thai Knowledge Park was accompanied by tight security to prevent further trouble after an incident at a royal exhibition at Siam Paragon shopping mall a few days earlier, where a small anti-Thaksin group of protesters were attacked by Thaksin's bodyguards when they shouted at the prime minister.

Thaksin supporters and opponents sparred verbally outside the building. A man shouting "Thaksin, get out!" was punched by another in the crowd.

Police arrested three men during the skirmishes while arresting another three protesters.

Vichai and Ritthirong, who shouted anti-Thaksin messages, were charged with causing a public disturbance.

Meanwhile, acting police chief Seripisut Temiyavej said he was waiting for the NCCC's report on Pol Col Ritthirong. He said if it found the officer culpable, he would be dismissed.