Thaksin has submitted request for royal pardon, Wissanu reveals
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted his request for royal pardon, caretaker Deputy Premier and Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam disclosed on Thursday.
Wissanu, who is in charge of the outgoing government’s legal affairs, also confirmed that Thaksin was being treated at Police General Hospital.
It was earlier rumoured that the former premier was sent to a luxury Bangkok hospital after being moved out of the Bangkok Special Prison on the first night of his return to Thailand.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on August 22 after having lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years. He fled the country in August 2008 but was later sentenced to eight years in prison for corruption cases stemming from his tenure.
Less than 24 hours in prison, Thaksin was rushed to Police General Hospital for emergency with high blood pressure. He reportedly has been treated for multiple disorders.
“I have received Thaksin’s application for royal pardon. After this, further proceedings would be held,” Wissanu told reporters on Thursday.
However, he declined to disclose other details of the document, such as whether the request has written by Thaksin himself and what the document says.
“I can’t disclose the details because this is a personal matter,” he said.
The caretaker justice minister added, however, that further action would be taken in line with the relevant laws and regulations.
When asked if the process would be completed while he was in the office, Wissanu said: “I don’t know about that. I don’t know until when I will remain in the office. The new Cabinet is in the making.”
Wissanu also dismissed the perception that Thaksin was enjoying “special” treatment from the authorities involved. He said the former prime minister had the right to apply for royal pardon.
