Somchai, Chavalit and police blamed for Oct7

Two people were killed and hundreds injured in running clashes on the streets of central Bangkok.

On that day, People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators surrounded Parliament House in a bid to prevent Somchai's government declaring its policies. Somchai, a brother in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was widely seen as Thaksin's puppet.

Police used teargas to disperse the PAD mob, but exploding canisters saw several protesters lose limbs.

The bloody crackdown prompted PAD demonstrators to clash with police throughout the day.

However, Somchai successfully declared his policies and did not order police to stop using force.

The NHRC has looked into the October 7 violence, questioning witnesses and reviewing evidence.

Doctors, forensic-science experts, policemen, reporters and demonstrators all gave witness accounts.

The NHRC probe has concluded that Somchai and his then deputy Chavalit should be held responsible for the violence because they were the ones who gave instructions to police.

Patcharawat, who was then national police commissioner, and 11 other high-ranking policemen were also charged with violating human rights.

NHRC also said the actions of Patcharawat and these 11 other policemen could be construed as offences in terms of colluding to harm other people and even pre-meditated murder.

The 11 policemen are Gen Pansiri Prapawat, Gen Wiroj Paholvej, Gen Jongrak Juthanont, Lt Gen Suchart Muankaew, Maj Gen Wiboon Bangthamai, Maj Gen Likhit Klin-uan, Maj Gen Ekarat Meepreecha, Maj Gen Chaktip Chaijinda, Maj Gen Sriwara Rangsiphramanakul, Col Leuchai Sudyod and Maj Gen Amnuay Nimmano.

Patcharawat was transferred to an inactive post after the police chief failed to remove PAD protesters from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Somchai, however, lost his premiership early this month because the Constitution Court dissolved his People Power Party and banned all its executives including Somchai from engaging in politics for five years.

Chavalit resigned his post in the afternoon of October 7 to take responsibility for the violence that erupted.

Surasee Kosolnawin, who heads an NHRC panel, yesterday said the probe results had been forwarded to the National Counter Corruption Commission for further action.