Security tightened for NACC members

Vicha

National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) president Panthep Klanarongran requested additional police protection for NACC commissioners and more frequent police patrols at their houses after the grenade exploded at Vicha Mahakun's old home in Bang Phlat district.

The incident happened around 3.30am and caused some damage to the property, which Vicha had sold to a university lecturer in July. There were no injuries as the house was under renovation and nobody was living inside at the time of explosion. Window panes of a nearby house were shattered.

Security measures were also tightened at the NACC office building yesterday. Vehicles entering the premises were searched for bombs.

Reacting to the incident, Vicha said that he was not discouraged by the incident as he had received several threats while working in the NACC.

He said his neighbours gave him warnings after suspicious strangers were spotted near the house many times recently. "I am thankful to my neighbours. In fact I sold that house in July and it is now being renovated," he said.

Vicha declined to speculate whether the attack had something to do with the NACC's recent decision to indict former government leaders and senior police officers involved in the October 7 police crackdown on protesters last year.

"That should be the duty of officials responsible for investigation," he said.

Other NACC members vowed that threats would not sway their judgement in future cases.

Somlak Judkrabuanphol said she was "startled" by the bomb explosion at Vicha's former home and that NACC president Panthep had told all the agency's members to be more cautious about their safety.

"I have not received any threat and I have no worry about such a threat. The incident won't affect the NACC's work in future cases. We will continue to adhere to the laws and regulations and make decisions in a just manner," she said.

Jaided Pornchaiya, another NACC member, said he had never received any threat and he would not request for more police protection.

In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said that after the explosion, he had ordered police to provide more security at residences of important figures, such as members of independent organisations and the Privy Council.

He said initial police investigation found that the grenade was thrown from a passing pickup truck.