22-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will have the opportunity to apply for a royal pardon shortly after commencing his prison sentence upon his return to Thailand, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam, who is currently serving as the caretaker Deputy Prime Minister. This announcement was made on Thursday.
When questioned about the waiting period for Thaksin to apply for a royal pardon, Mr. Wissanu clarified, “That can be done within the first 24 hours. But I don’t know if he will do it. I can’t answer this for him.”
As outlined by Mr. Wissanu, who also holds the position of caretaker Justice Minister, the procedure necessitates that convicts submit a written appeal to the King in pursuit of a royal pardon. “But they have to wait for two more years to submit a new appeal if they are not granted a pardon in their first attempt,” he added.
Mr. Wissanu, responsible for overseeing the government’s legal affairs, emphasized that seeking a royal pardon is the right of every convict.
Thaksin, often seen as the key figure in the Pheu Thai Party, is anticipated to return to Thailand in the near future to serve his jail term, which arises from criminal cases related to his time in office. His daughter, Paetongtarn, one of Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates, announced on Wednesday that Thaksin was planning to return to Thailand on August 10. This marks the latest in a series of announcements made by Thaksin and his family concerning his potential homecoming. Previously, he had indicated his intention to return before his birthday on July 26.
Thaksin, aged 74, has been in exile overseas since August 2008. In October of the same year, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division on Political Office Holders sentenced him in absentia to two years in prison for the misuse of his power in relation to his wife’s acquisition of a state-owned land plot at a price significantly below its market value.
Thaksin faces a total of 10 years of imprisonment in three separate corruption cases stemming from his tenure as Prime Minister from February 2001 to September 2006. However, the 10-year statute of limitations for one of the cases expired in 2018.
On Thursday, Mr. Wissanu stated that due to Thaksin’s age (over 70) and a history of health concerns, he would be eligible for certain privileges not afforded to other prisoners. The Department of Corrections will make determinations regarding matters such as a specialized detention cell or a role at the prison hospital. Nevertheless, Mr. Wissanu made it clear that Thaksin would not be placed under house arrest but must serve his sentence in prison. He also confirmed that Thaksin’s family would be permitted to visit him on the first day of his imprisonment.
