Abhisit sceptical on independent probe for tear gas debacle

Abhisit said his party had petitioned the National Counter Corruption Commission to look into the tear gas debacle because he was uncertain that neutral and respected figures would agree to join the government-appointed committee.

He said the NCCC probe would not duplicate the work of the National Human Rights Commission which has conducted a fact-finding investigation.

The NHRC report is expected to focus on human rights violations and not the in-depth examination of the crowd control operations, he said.

He rebuked the prime minister for lacking sincerity to show responsibility for the violence.

He said his party would submit a counter argument opposing the asylum application of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in England if the bloodshed was cited as a reason.

He warned that the Thai-British relations might deteriorate if the asylum was granted on grounds of the Tuesday's violence.