Thai spies keep watch on group spreading lies about the red-shirted protesters

Armed forces leaders and top security officials leave Government House after attending a meeting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday. Getting into a car is army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda. THITI WANNAMONTHA

Published: 20/04/2009

Bangkok Post

Newspaper section: News

Security agencies are keeping a close watch on a group they suspect of feeding lies to international media outlets on the recent red shirt riots.

Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayagorn said members of the group had left the country in recent days to disseminate a "different version of events and accounts" to the international media.

Details of the group, which is believed to consist of about 10 people, could only be made public by the army and police chiefs, Mr Panithan said.

The government would counter them by releasing its own information to the international media, explaining what is really happening.

Mr Panithan said intelligence officers would need more time to uncover the whereabouts of Jakrapob Penkair, who is sought on charges of inciting unrest in connection with the rioting.

Mr Jakrapob is one of the leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship. He disappeared before other red shirt leaders gave up their protest on April 14 to avoid further bloodshed.

The government has been advised to use only irreproachable evidence to disprove claims many had died in the riots.

Mr Panithan said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had promised to lift the state of emergency when the time was right. There are still some concerns.

The security situation is being assessed every 24 hours. Fewer soldiers and police are now being stationed around Bangkok.

Security for leading figures, however, remains tight following the murder attempt on Friday on Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of the UDD rival group, the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Mr Abhisit yesterday called a security meeting at Government House after his weekly television address. He was later driven home under heavy guard including army commandos.

The prime minister's motorcade was attacked twice during the red shirt protests, in Pattaya on April 7 and again on April 12 in the grounds of the Interior Ministry.

Some of the prime minister's guards were injured in the scuffles.