Bangkok:The chairman of the screening subcommittee announced that the request for amnesty for political cases involving Thaksin Shinawatra will be presented to the Committee for the Promotion of a Peaceful Society at their upcoming meeting. The emphasis is on ensuring justice for all parties involved, rather than focusing solely on the former Prime Minister.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Piyasiri Wattanavarangkul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of the Sub-committee for Screening of Cases, addressed the request for amnesty under the Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society. He explained that the request is yet to reach the sub-committee he chairs, but once it does, it will be assessed without complications. The sub-committees are in the process of compiling necessary information, and a full committee meeting will be convened to outline the amnesty framework. The main committee will interpret the general principle that the amnesty should cover offenses related to protests or actions against the state.
The screening process involves a final review by the full committee, as confirmed by the Permanent Secretary of Justice. Mr. Pakorn Nilpraphan, the committee chairman, has stressed the urgency of handling the matter expediently and in accordance with the law. The subcommittee is tasked with summarizing explanations and opinions from various academics before submission to the main committee.
Mr. Piyasiri indicated that the exact number of cases against Thaksin remains undisclosed, with the Ministry of Justice instructing relevant departments to summarize case details. Coordination with the prosecutor's office is necessary, as 80% of cases have been sent there. The Department of Special Investigation currently has two pending cases.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of fairness in the judicial process, noting that the focus should not be on individual names but on the collective justice for Thai citizens. He stated that the committee's decisions are generally conclusive, with an appeal process available if petitioners are dissatisfied. Acknowledging the involvement of numerous political activists, Piyasiri mentioned that information from related agencies will be presented to the main committee.