Police to charge protest leaders in a few days

Police now have pictures and video footages showing the leaders instigating use of violence as the crowd were trying to break up police barricades in front of residence of Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanond, said Adisorn, the Metropolitan Police commissioner.

He was speaking after attending an urgent meeting chaired by national police chief Gen Seripisut Temiyavej.

"Our investigators are collecting evidence, documents and audio evidence of the clash. We expect to press charges against the leaders of the protest within the next few days," Adisorn said.

On Sunday night, the anti-junta protesters clashed with police as they tried to move in on Prem's residence in the Sisao Thewet area.

Adisorn told reporters that some 200 police were injured during the clash and were receiving treatment at hospitals.

The most serious case was a crime suppression officer who suffered broken leg after he was hit by a pickup truck driven by a protester.

Police have arrested and detained six protesters, including Nopparut Worachitwuttikul, a 46-year-old leader of White Dove (Pirab Khao) Group, Banthong Somkam and ML Weerayut Seneyawongse.

They were charged with using violence to harm others, threatening to use force, destroying state properties and refusing to abide by police order. The maximum penalty is five years in prison.

Adisorn said police are expected to finish collecting evidence and asking for arrest warrants for the protest leaders within a few days.

Meanwhile Narenthorn Centre, a Public Health Ministry rescue network, reported that 106 people were injured during the Sunday night's clash. Seventy-seven of them are police officers, one Army officer, and 28 civilians.