The four charges, also filed against Dr Thamrong Jirajariyavej of Ramathibodi Hospital, are for malfeasance, forgery of documents and misuse of them, perjury and production of false evidence, and violation of professional ethics through giving false testimony.

Noppadol filed a civil lawsuit demanding Bt1 billion from Pornthip on February 14.

Yesterday he also threatened to file a criminal lawsuit against three senior police officers tasked with investigating the death of Hangthong in 1999.

A third autopsy performed in February 2006 found that Hangthong had shot himself with a pistol, clashing with the finding of the second autopsy, conducted earlier by Pornthip and Thamrong.

Noppadol was permitted to conduct a third autopsy for his defence.

Protest plan :Army will defend junta: Sonthi

The First Army Area will cooperate with the city administration in dealing with protests by anti-coup groups planned for this weekend, junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday.

He urged the protesters to be aware that the country is now "in need of unity".

The First Army Area has jurisdiction over provinces in the Central region, including Bangkok.

The Phra Nakhon District Office, which covers Sanam Luang, yesterday allowed the Pirap Khao (White Dove) group to hold a peaceful demonstration at the public ground today - without the use of sound amplifiers.

District chief Roengsak Horaruang yesterday said the group could hold its demonstration in a "provided area" as a large part of Sanam Luang would be used as the venue for a traditional sport festival.

Several members of the group staged a protest outside the district office on Thursday night to demand the authorities return the materials and equipment seized from their protest site at Sanam Luang earlier.

The authorities agreed to return the seized items on condition the demonstration would be "peaceful and limited".