Police dismiss rumours of PM's seizure at airport

BANGKOK, July 4 (TNA) - Thailand's national police on Friday brushed aside as "groundless" rumours that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would be detained upon his return from an official visit to Brunei at Suvarnabhumi airport Friday afternoon.
Pol. Maj-Gen. Suraphon Tuanthong, Deputy National Police Commissioner, denied reports that the premier, also defence minister, will be arrested as he returns from Brunei Friday evening.
"Police intelligence investigations have found no evidence of a planned seizure as the cases involving the premier are still in the courts and legal procedures are progressing," Gen. Suraphon said.
The senior police officer however conceded that First Region Police Command which oversees Samut Prakan province where Suvarnabhumi airport is located has increased security at the airport prior to the premier's return.
Mr. Samak said Thursday that there remained a movement of a group of ill-intentioned people trying to remove him from the premiership.
Speaking of the political situation in Thailand, he said the group was attempting to force his departure from office by releasing the rumour that he would be arrested upon his return from overseas.
The premier said the cases he is facing regarding defamation and his alleged breach of the constitution for hosting a television programme after assuming the premiership are under deliberation in court.
Regarding the charter violation case, Mr. Samak still has 15 days to hand over his written clarifications to the Constitution Court for its deliberation.