Thaksin amnesty petition awaits review - Bangkok Post

Piyasiri: Only seen media reports Justice permanent secretary Piyasiri Wattanawarangkun said a subcommittee he chairs had yet to receive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's request for amnesty in political cases.

Mr Piyasiri said he had seen only media reports about the petition, which Thaksin submitted to the main peace and social reconciliation committee.

Thaksin is seeking amnesty under the Peace and Social Reconciliation Act for four cases he says stem from political conflicts between 2005 and 2016, including the aftermath of the Sept 19, 2006 coup. The cases include the seizure of assets worth about 46.37 billion baht.

However, Section 3 of the law excludes four categories of offences from amnesty, including corruption and lese-majeste offences under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. The main committee will determine how the law applies to individual cases.

Mr Piyasiri said the review would cover all eligible applicants, including political activists, prisoners and young people. His subcommittee would examine relevant information before submitting its findings to the main committee for a decision.

The Justice Ministry has instructed relevant agencies to compile information on Thaksin's cases. The Department of Special Investigation has so far identified two relevant cases, Mr Piyasiri said.

He said the process would be expedited in accordance with the law and that the subcommittee was under no pressure.

"We should not focus on anyone's name. We should see everyone as Thai citizens and consider what would be fair to them," he said.

Applicants dissatisfied with the committee's decisions would have channels to appeal, he added.