Thailand seeks extradition of exiled anti-coup protesters

BANGKOK, June 25 (TNA) - Thailand's army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has sought cooperation from foreign countries to extradite anti-coup protesters who have formed the so-called Organisation of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy (FT-HD) in exile. NCPO Spokesman Colonel Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak told journalists on Wednesday afternoon, after concluding a briefing for assistant foreign military attaches, that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been assigned to cooperate with overseas governments to extradite the exiled protesters. NCPO Deputy Spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree said that he believed foreign countries would not support the FT-HD. Meanwhile, Permanent-secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, told reporters that officials will make further investigations as there is no clear evidence that the anti-coup FT-HD is based in a Scandinavian country as rumoured. Pheu Thai Party's Acting Deputy Secretary-General Chawalit Wichayasut, in the meantime, denied his party's involvement in the formation of the FT-HD, affirming that his party will not make any political movement against the NCPO to facilitate the military junta to carry out its planned roadmap for the restoration of democracy in the country in the near future. A group of persons who oppose a coup staged by the NCPO on May 22, 2014 has established the FT-HD in a foreign country, led by Thailand exiled ex-interior minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, in his capacity as the secretary-general of the newly-set up body. On the occasion of the 82nd anniversary of Thailand's revolutionary change from the absolute monarchy to the democratic rule on June 24, Charupong, who is also former leader of the Pheu Thai Party, announced in a video clip posted on his Facebook page that the FT-HD will be the centre of Thai people from all sectors who uphold democracy and human rights and want to fight to achieve the ideological goals in their motherland. Jakrapob Penkae, Thailand's former minister attached to the prime minister's office, was announced the FT-HD's spokesman. Both Charupong and Jakrapob have failed to report themselves to the NCPO, as ordered. (TNA)