The red-shirt supporter who attacked activist Srisuwan Janya at the Central Investigation Bureau's complaints centre on Tuesday, was arrested on Wednesday for assault on another person in a different case.
Police led by Pol Col Padet Ngamlamom, commander of Crime Suppression Division sub-division 1, took Weerawich Rungruangsiriphol into custody at the car park of Maleenont Tower in Khlong Toei district as he left the premises after appearing on the Hon Krasae talk show in the TV Channel 3 studio.
The police were armed with a warrant issued by the Dusit District Court on Nov 22, 2021, under which Mr Weerawich was wanted for assault deemed harmful to another person physically and mentally.
On Oct 19, 2021, Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin and Seksakol Atthawong, who was then a vice minister at the Prime Minister's Office, left Government House to meet workers laid off with the closure of an underwear factory.
They were taking the workers' leaders to the complaints centre for talks. Mr Weerawich was waiting in front of the building and was seen to charge at Mr Seksakol, slapping him on the head and shoving at his chest.
Mr Seksakon sent a representative to file a complaint against Mr Weerawich for assault with Dusit police. The Dusit District Court approved the police request for an arrest warrant for Mr Weerawich.
At CSD headquarters on Wednesday, Mr Weerawich allegedly confessed to the charge. He said he was not aware that a complaint had been filed or that a warrant was out for his arrest.
"I have never felt prejudiced against Mr Seksakol. We were fellow red-shirts. We used to eat rice from the same pot. But I do not understand why he left others behind for his own survival.
"Like I did with Mr Srisuwan, I slapped him, wanting to give him a lesson. I am ready for legal action for what I have done. I want only to be treated at an acceptable standard, without biase against me. Everybody is equal," Mr Weerawich said.
Mr Weerawich was handed over to Dusit police for legal proceedings.
On Tuesday, Mr Weerawich assaulted Mr Srisuwan in front of news cameras as he arrived to register a complaint against comedian Udom "Nose" Taepanich with police at the CIB.
Mr Srisuwan has filed a complaint with police against Mr Weerawich over Tuesday's assault. The case is pending police action.
