As a result, the countering action ordered by then-police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan and then-metropolitan police chief Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muankaew was legitimate, ensuring the security of people and state property, the court said. It ruled that Somchai and the police chiefs were unaware of any possible danger posed by the use of teargas. The court said it could not be concluded that the defendants were negligent or guilty of malfeasance in their duties, as alleged by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Then-deputy premier Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was also acquitted on all charges because he had resigned from the post that morning, before the dispersal took place which resulted in a number of casualties. PAD members were upset with the ruling, some shouting “murderers” at the defendants as they left the courtroom.

Source: The Nation Bangkok August 02, 2017 06:22 UTC