Sondhi says PM caught in political deal

Sondhi said the prime minister might opt not to transfer national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan as part of a compromise with certain military figures or some other reason.

"But Abhisit's political future will depend on his decision. The fact that he opted for a transfer and later changed his mind indicates he is not a true leader," Sondhi said.

The PAD leader claimed that one of the conditions when the Democrats formed its coalition government with a faction from the disbanded People Power Party was that the national police chief retained his job.

"That's why Abhisit does not dare to take any action against Patcharawat. He acts like a boy and has no state of leadership. I don't want to have a prime minister who speaks politely and runs the country with his rhetoric but is not brave enough to make decisions," Sondhi said.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the group feared the investigation into the case would be prolonged and that the masterminds would not be arrested.

He said Police General Thanee Somboonsap, the chief investigator, had gone "in the right direction" but the probe had "hit some snags".

"We expect the prime minister to deal with those snags but so far he has done nothing about it," Suriyasai said.

Pipob Dhongchai, another PAD core leader, said the prime minister was part of the justice system and thus had to ensure justice would prevail.

He called on Abhisit to consider whether Patcharawat and Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban should remain in office and whether they had obstructed the inquiry.

"By the custom, when a national police chief is under investigation for many cases, he gets dismissed or transferred. It is not that the PAD is making any call or demand but that the prime minister must take whatever action he should do," he said.

Sondhi, speaking at the PAD's head office at Baan Phra Athit, said the person who funded the attempt on his life was "living overseas".

He said a total of 14 people - 13 soldiers and one police officer - were involved. All the soldiers were from the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri province.

Sondhi claimed his home and mobile phones were tapped by a police officer at the Department of Special Investigation.

"It's a coordination between DSI and the military. The person who paid for it is living overseas. I am dangerous for them," he said.

"Someone like me became a target, and persons like Abhisit Vejjajiva or someone higher than him could also be targeted for assassination," Sondhi added.