Justice chancellor says he had requested a conference with Thaksin during Songkran
PUBLISHED: 8 Mar 2024 at 21: 12
A group against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Friday vowed to petition the Ministry of Justice’s parole committee to examine whether Thaksin’s designed visit to his home county of Chiang Mai later this month is proof of his disqualification to receive the pardon granted to him on the grounds that he is old and” really ill”.
The party was wondering if Thaksin’s planned vacation to the northern county conflicted with the parole committee’s claim that he was ready to get released on parole because he is severely ill and could not take care of himself, said Pichit Chaimongkol, a core leader of the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand.
” Someone who can go on a trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai may be physically fit enough to survive a day- to- day life as another good people do”, said Mr Pichit.
Mr Pichit said the actual purpose of Thaksin’s planned trip was likely to strengthen his ties with his red- shirt supporters in the North, considering the enthusiastic response of members of the red- shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship ( UDD ) to news reports that the convicted former premier is planning a visit to Chiang Mai.
And since Thaksin’s journey happens to correspond with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s attend to Chiang Mai, it could be interpreted that both Thaksin’s and Mr Srettha’s excursions were intentionally planned to create a social effect, he said.
Thaksin’s planned vacation may, therefore, be considered as a political walk made while he is still on parole after being released on parole, said Mr Pichit.
The team is gathering information to submit along with its complaint to the pardon commission to examine whether Thaksin has violated his offense problems, he said. The team even insists on continuing demonstrations protesting against Thaksin’s pardon until at least May 2— the last day they are permitted to march near Chamai Maru Chet Bridge in Bangkok.
Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin, however, said as long as the Department of Probation approves Thaksin’s demand, there should not be a concern.
As for concerns over Thaksin’s wellbeing, Mr Somsak said the ex- top may have a group of doctors and nurses attending to his health while travelling.
Asked if Thaksin is allowed to meet his political supporters or give an interview about elections during the organized trip, Mr Somsak said if that is not prohibited as a state of his parole, Thaksin should be able to do so.
As for those Pheu Thai Party MPs who may take the opportunity to meet Thaksin in Chiang Mai, Mr Somsak said that he was not aware of any of them planning a conference with Thaksin at present.
He said that he himself had requested a meeting with Thaksin during Songkran , next fortnight, but there has been no response to the request so much.
Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin. ( Photo: Government House )
On Feb 18, the 74- yr- ancient convicted ex- leading left Police General Hospital and returned to his residence on Charan Sanitwong 69 Road in Bang Phlat district after he was paroled. He was not imprisoned for a one night.
Because he is over 70 years old, really ill, and regarded as having served at least six weeks of his prison expression despite being admitted to Police General Hospital, judicial officials said Thaksin met the requirements for pardon.