A source from the Attorney General's Office said yesterday that a proposal to allow the DSI director-general to override a prosecutor's decision not to file criminal charges against a suspect was inappropriate.

The source said another move that would make all cases - in which any official or police officer was a victim or suspect - a criminal matter, would result in a heavy burden on the entire justice system.

"This condition should involve only officials at high levels or ranks - not all of them," the source suggested.

"The proposed extension of a two-year term of service for all members of the DSI's board would keep them in the post for too long," the source said.

Another proposal to make police and state investigators support DSI agents, both in terms of manpower and evidence, would also give the DSI too much power, he said.

The proposal to allow DSI agents to initiate inquiries into wrongdoing by state officials - excluding people holding political office - would be redundant to authority given to the National Counter Corruption Commission, the source said.

The source also suggested another proposal to allow DSI agents to receive money from the public or reward money and use it to counter crime would be unconstitutional.

The Justice Ministry is expected to submit the amendment bill to the 2004 Department of Special Investigations Act to the Cabinet meeting today for initial approval.

A Royal Thai Police source said only the prime minister should have authority to override public prosecutors' decisions.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation