Feb.12, 2010, 04:00 PM
Government agencies are keeping a close watch on the flow of money into the country to support activities of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in the lead up to the Feb 26 verdict on the seizure of Thaksin Shinawatra's assets, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Friday.
However, he denied knowing anything about a report that the money from abroad had been channelled to five people including one whose name begins with the initial "S".
The prime minister insisted the government had not fabricated the information about unusual flows of money from abroad to the red-shirts, as alleged.
He said the government had made preparations for many levels of action to cope with red-shirt activities, depending on the situation at the time.
Asked about army specialist Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol's comment that he knows the whereabouts of all nine judges who will decide the assets case, Mr Abhisit said that could be taken as intimidation, which should not be acceptable to the people.
The government does not want any form of interference in the justice process, he added.
Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said on Friday that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) was assigned to check the unusual inflow of money from abroad because offences against currency and tax laws fall within its ambit
Mr Abhisit and his deputy secretary-general Panitan Wattanayagorn earlier said they had information showing an unusual inflow of money from abroad since late last year.
Mr Pirapan said the DSI had been instructed to check law enforcement on the part of related agencies in cooperation with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo).
The reported unusual flows of money might have nothing to do with politics or the red-shirts, he added.
Meanwhile, red-shirt supporters rallied in front of the office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on Friday, alleging the graft busters have double standards.
UDD leaders said the rally, which started about noon, would end at 8pm.
The protesters blocked Phitsanulok road between Misakawan intersection and Chamaimaruchet bridge. They set up a stage on the top of a truck and took turns launching verbal attacks against the NACC.
Pol Maj-Gen Piya Uthayo, the metropolitan police spokesman, said two companies of police were deployed to maintain law and order. He did not expected any violence.
Wichai Wiwitsewi, an NACC member, said staff continued work as usual in their offices.