February 2, 2008
BANGKOK - An outgoing PM’s Office Minister on Friday threatened to stage protests if the newly-elected government interferes in court cases against Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thirapat Sereerangsan, who was minister to the prime minister’s office, insisted the coup against Thaksin was justified.
"The military coup made a positive contribution to Thailand, which was not under democratic rule but under a democracy used for the benefit of capitalists," Therapat told reporters.
The former minister helped organise street protests against Thaksin in 2006, accusing Thaksin of using his political office to enrich his multi-billion-dollar business empire, according to AFP.
"Today I declare myself the eternal enemy of anyone who exploits democracy by interfering in the judicial process, or in independent agencies such as the National Counter Corruption Commission," he said.
He also warned the new government against granting an amnesty to Thaksin.
"People who love justice will rise up and our country will plunge into mutiny" unless the cases against Thaksin proceed, he said.
