28-12-2023 (BANGKOK) The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Tuesday acquitted Yingluck Shinawatra of malfeasance related to the 2011 transfer of Thawil Pliensri from his position as National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general to prime minister’s adviser. The court also took the unprecedented step of revoking an arrest warrant that had been issued after Yingluck failed to appear for the trial in November of the previous year.
The court’s ruling dispelled allegations that Yingluck had abused her power to orchestrate the removal of Thawil and the subsequent appointment of her close relative, Pol Gen Priewphan Damapong, as NSC chief.
This decision marked a stark reversal of a 2014 verdict by the Constitutional Court, which had led to Yingluck’s removal as prime minister on charges of abusing power by intervening in the transfer of government officials.
Speculation regarding Yingluck’s potential return to Thailand gained momentum on Monday, fueled by comments from former deputy premier Wissanu Krea-ngam, who suggested that she might be eligible for a royal pardon. Wissanu, a legal expert involved in drafting several constitutions, outlined that to qualify for such clemency, Yingluck would first need to surrender to Thai authorities.
The prospect of a return to Thailand is further complicated by legal challenges faced by Yingluck. She had been sentenced to five years in prison in connection to her government’s controversial rice subsidy programme. Additionally, she faces charges related to the alleged improper allocation of 240 million baht to the “Roadshow to Thailand’s Future Thailand 2020” project.
Yingluck, who fled the country in 2017 just before being found guilty of negligence in relation to her government’s rice-pledging scheme, vehemently denies all charges. She characterizes them as politically motivated, stemming from the aftermath of the 2014 military coup led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, which ousted her government.
As legal intricacies unfold, Yingluck’s potential return and the complex circumstances surrounding her legal battles continue to captivate public attention in Thailand.
