Justice Ministry Launches Inquiry Into DSI Witness Intimidation Claims

Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovaratana announced the establishment of a fact-finding committee on September 15 to investigate allegations that DSI officers intimidated witnesses in the Senate dissolution case. The ministry received a complaint alleging that DSI investigators engaged in misconduct under criminal law sections 157 and 164 from the investigation's outset. The ministry will establish a committee to ensure fairness to all parties, conducting a detailed examination of investigation procedures after discovering that some witnesses changed their statements.

When asked whether the investigation would focus solely on DSI officers or also include political figures, the minister said the inquiry was prompted by a complaint filed on September 14 requesting action against investigators and civil servants on both criminal and disciplinary grounds. The DSI is coordinating with the Election Commission to obtain its ruling in the Senate case for incorporation into the money laundering and concealment of wealth investigation. The minister stated that the outcome depends on the Election Commission's decision and its petition to the Supreme Court, after which the DSI will proceed accordingly.

The investigation into the witness intimidation allegations will run parallel to the money laundering inquiry, with the minister noting that both timelines should align. When pressed on whether the concealment of wealth case would be based solely on the Election Commission's findings, the minister said he must first see clarity on who was mentioned and what conduct was involved before the Election Commission's ruling and its Supreme Court petition.