Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told the nation Friday that he will set up an independent commission to investigate the deaths of 78 Muslim protesters rounded up by troops and piled into trucks.
"I will set up an independent commission headed by Pichet Sunthornpipit, ex-Parliamentary ombudsman, and comprised of legal and Muslim experts and experts on mobs, to investigate the correct and fair information," Thaksin said in a televised address.
His announcement came amid mounting domestic and foreign concern over excessive force by the security apparatus, and calls for him to establish an independent probe.
A total of 87 people died in the incident at Tak Bai, Narathiwat province on Monday. Six were shot dead at the chaotic demonstration and another 78 were crushed to death or suffocated after they were arrested and crammed onto military transport trucks.
Three others were found drowned in a river near the protest site, the foreign ministry said.
But Thaksin did not say when the investigation will begin, or what time frame it has to complete its work.
"I also welcome any investigation attempt by other independent organisations. I will treat the case transparently, straightforwardly, and the public must learn the truth. Government must not conceal any fact, as the government has no hidden agenda," a tired and sombre-looking Thaksin said.
During his 23-minute address Thaksin expressed "regret" at the demonstrators' deaths. He said he is not prejudiced against Muslims and would compensate the victims.
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