Red bosses meet CSD on leaked docs

Two red-shirt leaders have reported to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to acknowledge charges that they illegally obtained and disclosed classified and security-sensitive Foreign Ministry documents.

Natthawut Saikuar and Korkaew Pikulthong, key members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), arrived at the CSD to hear the charges against them on Thursday. Their surrenders were disclosed yesterday by CSD police.

The pair are among five key red-shirt members accused of violating sections 123 and 124 of the Criminal Code.

The others are Jatuporn Prompan, Worawuth Wichaidit and Suphatpha Phatnoraphan.

Section 123 deals with illegal acts of obtaining classified and security-sensitive information or documents.

Section 124 pertains to those who notify others about or obtain such information. Violations can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

On Dec 26, 2009, former Democrat Party MP Watchara Phetthong filed a complaint with the CSD accusing the five red-shirt co-leaders of being involved in revealing classified Foreign Ministry documents.

Mr Watchara said Mr Natthawut, Mr Jatuporn and Mr Korkaew revealed the documents during the Kwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth Today) red-shirt television programme broadcast on Dec 17, 2009, which reportedly caused damage to the ministry.

They went on to have the documents published in the Truth Today newspaper on Dec 22-24 that year.