Former Prime Minister Thaksin may ask for royal pardon in Thailand

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to arrive at Don Mueang Airport, Thailand on August 10 after many years of exile.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. (Source: AFP)

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can apply for a royal pardon on the first day of his detention, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on July 27. According to the law, all prisoners have the right to apply for a royal pardon on the first day of their detention. However, if not approved, the next pardon application will only be made two years after the previous application.

Mr. Wissanu noted that when former Prime Minister Thaksin returns to Vietnam, he will have to appear in court to receive prison sentences in three cases that have been tried, with a total sentence of 10 years in prison. Currently, some other cases related to Mr. Thaksin have expired, but some cases have not yet been brought to court, including his exile in the UK to avoid prosecution.

Previously, on July 26, Pheu Thai Party Chairman Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the former Prime Minister would arrive at Don Mueang Airport, Thailand on August 10.

In a post on social media, she shared: “(Our family) is both happy and worried, but we always respect our father's decision.”

According to Ms. Paetongtarn, one of the three candidates for prime minister of the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Thaksin is a prime minister who is recognized as having contributed the most to the country, but he also faces difficulties. Since the military government was formed in 2006, Mr. Thaksin has been living in exile abroad and has only returned to Thailand once for a short trip in 2008.

Recently, shortly after the Thai election ended, this politician expressed his desire to return home to comply and was ready to comply with the court's rulings.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cuu-thu-tuong-thaksin-co-the-xin-hoang-gia-thai-lan-an-xa-236241.html