Panels to tackle facts, remedial action

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday ordered two committees be established to investigate Tuesday's bloody clashes between police and People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators.

"The committees' works should clear up any lingering doubts and distrust," the premier said.

The violence claimed two lives and injured more than 400 others. A number of academics, doctors and political observers have condemned the Somchai-led administration for using excessive force in dispersing PAD crowds.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Somchai yesterday announced he would establish a committee to find out what exactly happened on October 7.

"This committee will check where problems lie, who was at fault and who used violence," the premier said. Somchai, who also serves as defence minister, said this committee would report its findings to the public. The premier expects to fill the committee with politically-neutral figures.

"It should take one or two more days to establish the committee," Somchai said.

He said the other committee will work on remedial action so that assistance reaches clash victims, which include both PAD supporters and policemen.

Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua later said the committees would prove the government did not overreact on Tuesday.

Asked whether well-known forensic expert Dr Porntip Rojanasunan will sit on the committees, Natthawut answered, "Maybe".

Porntip, meanwhile, said she was ready to examine the wounds on the bodies of those injured or killed in the clashes.

"I haven't received an official order yet. But National Police Commissioner General Patcharawat Wongsuwan has already advised me about this," the director of Central Institute of Forensic Science said.

Meanwhile, Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet expressed hope that the ongoing conflict in the country would head towards reconciliation after the Appeals Court yesterday dropped treason charges against nine PAD leaders.

"The situation should improve," he said.

So far, he clearly preferred someone other than himself to mediate between the incumbent government and PAD.

"I think someone else should give it a try," Prasopsuk said in response to a proposal that he start negotiations toward reconciliation between the two sides.

Prasopsuk said respected and neutral figures like Dr Prawase Wasi could arrange the negotiation.

Asked about PAD demands that Somchai order the House dissolution, Prasop replied, "Nothing is too difficult when we do it for the country".