On 6 February 2014, 13:00 hrs., Mr. Tharit Pengdit, Director-General, the Department of Special Investigations, briefed the press on the outcome of the meeting of the Center For Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) earlier in the day, gist as follows:

The Criminal Court has approved arrest warrants against 19 core PDRC leaders, including Mr. Suthep, for violating the emergency decree. CMPO authorities will proceed with the arrest, and those arrested will be placed under the custody of the Border Patrol Police, regional command 1, not exceeding 7 days at a time, or a total of 30 days. CMPO will request the Criminal Court to approve additional arrest warrants for 39 individuals who have committed serious offenses under the Emergency Decree. CMPO also urges people not to engage in any acts against the Emergency Decree, including providing food, financial support and shelter to protesters.

CMPO stated that several government agencies and public places, including Rama VIII Bridge, have been restored to their function, to provide services to general public. CMPO appreciates the joint cooperation between police, military and government officials in finding solutions to the problem.

The Director of the CMPO has issued three letters, respectively, to the National Human Rights Commission, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations’ Regional Office in Thailand. The letter to the National Human Rights Commission is intended to inform the recipient of the PDRC’s illegal actions related to the obstruction of both the early election on 26 January and general election on 2 February. The letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the CMPO’s measures, which strictly uphold the law and do not use force against protesters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be asked to convey this information to the diplomatic corps. The letter addressed to the United Nation’s Regional Office in Thailand conveys information on illegal acts by PDRC’s core leaders and CMPO’s security measures.

CMPO urges the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to begin legal proceedings against election officers who obstructed the elections and/or failed to perform their duties on Election Day.

CMPO has notified 136 individuals and organizations who provide financial support to the PRDC’s protest. These figures include 58 core PDRC leaders, 30 people under investigation by the DSI, and 48 individuals reported by Special Branch Police. CMPO will issue orders to put a hold on their financial transactions and request them to explain their case.

Regarding a report that the PDRC has been requesting financial support from teacher associations in southern Thailand, CMPO will investigate and pursue appropriate legal action.