Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has condemned the use of violence after activist Srisuwan Janya was attacked by a red-shirt leader who has since been arrested over another assault.
When asked by reporters at Government House yesterday about the attack against Mr Srisuwan, Gen Prawit said: “Don’t use violence.”
Mr Srisuwan, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution, was injured slightly in the attack at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Tuesday.
The assault took place when Mr Srisuwan was about to file a complaint with the police against comedian Udom “Nose” Taepanich.
Mr Srisuwan claimed one of Udom’s remarks — made during the comedian’s most recent stand-up special Deaw 13 — was disruptive of law and order, and in breach of the Criminal Code.
“Traffic is a bit congested because there is a mob there to oust him. Please forgive them. They are doing that for us,” Udom said, referring to the prime minister.
Red-shirt leader Weerawich Runruangsiriphol, who was waiting for Mr Srisuwan outside the complaints centre, leapt at the activist then punched and kicked him in front of reporters and police.
Mr Weerawich was arrested yesterday in the car park of the Maleenont Building on Rama IV Road in connection with a previous assault case against Seksakol Atthawong, a former aide to the prime minister.
The warrant was approved by the Dusit district court last year after Mr Weerawich, who was among protesting workers at the government’s complaint centre, slapped Mr Seksakol on the head, leading to a scuffle.
Prior to his arrest, Mr Weerawich yesterday told Channel 3 that he was sorry for what he did to Mr Srisuwan, before urging the public not to copy his behaviour. He said many of Mr Srisuwan’s complaints were aimed at government critics and were unjustified.