• 
• 

Published on March 10, 2008

EC member Prapan Naikowit said Pol Colonel Sangworn Poopaijitkul, also a provincial EC member, had been transferred to an inactive post in Si Sa Ket on March 3.

The EC will check whether he was transferred for political reasons for carrying out his duties as a commission member. "If we ignore his plight, no one will want to work for the EC," Prapan said.

Sangworn is also in charge of the case against Chai Chidchob - father of Newin Chidchob - who has been accused of encroaching on forestland.

Senate urged to check Newin allegations

The Campaign for Popular Democracy yesterday called on the Senate to check allegations that Thai Rak Thai Party ex-executive Newin Chidchob had interfered with the selection process for the Senate speaker.

CPD secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila said the allegation had destroyed the Senate's credibility and the Senate must check the claim before the vote for speaker and deputies.

It would not be right if the Senate speaker were the nominee of interest groups, he added.

He also opposed the move to push Rosana Tositrakul to become a speaker candidate, saying she is more suitable as a committee member to check graft.

'Amnesty plan behind surrender by militants'

Yala deputy governor Gissada Boonraj has attributed Friday's surrender of 80 militants to a provincial programme that grants amnesty and provides protection to insurgents who wish to end their armed fight against the state.

"The idea is to make Peace Outreach Centre comprehensive in terms of approach. We are not only granting amnesty but we are ensuring their personal safety and job and financial security," Gissada said. Three of the 80 militants were cell leaders at the operational level in Yala's Yaha district.

The Nation