Army chief orders Maj Gen Kattiya probe

Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday the remarks had caused public panic and anxiety and Kattiya would be summoned by a disciplinary panel for interrogation. A military criminal panel would be appointed later to look into the matter.

Asked if Kattiya is being investigated for implicating Anupong in his controversial statements, Sansern admitted it was part of the reason.

Kattiya said the military criminal probe came as a surprise to him because he already faced a disciplinary probe. "I want to know what have I done wrong. I have never insulted my superiors. On the opposite, I defend and obey their orders. When they told me to stop Phra Chao Tak military training, I did so immediately,'' he said.

"The Army Chief does not have time to read papers. He probably believes the flattering people who mudsling me. If the probe finds me innocent, I will go and slap the mouths of these people,'' he said.

Kattiya had told members of the media on several occasions that after the royal cremation ceremony of HRH Princess Kalaya Vadhana, enemies of the People's Alliance for Democracy would step up their operations. He warned the PAD to leave Government House, if they do not want violence.

Judge Advocate officials said Kattiya's press statements may be deemed in violation of Article 41 of the Military Criminal Code that stipulates military officials who issue threats, intimidate or similar action are liable to imprisonment of up to three years.