By Thai Newsroom Reporters
DE FACTO PHEU THAI boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra appears to be “untouchable” as opposition MPs were today (Jan.2) warned against mentioning him during a three-day budget debate from tomorrow until Friday.
Pheu Thai whip Wisut Chaiyanarun called on Move Forward and Democrat MPs among other opposition lawmakers to never mention the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large even without saying his name whilst debating the 3.48 trillion baht budget bill at parliament or else, he said, they could probably be prosecuted in libel lawsuits.
Lawmakers are not immune to defamatory lawsuits in case that they make verbal accusations against third parties who do not have the opportunity to defend themselves at parliament.
According to the Pheu Thai whip, those who might possibly involve Thaksin one way or another when it comes to the running of any government agencies or the allocation of funds for them would likely be charged with libel lawsuits to be filed on behalf of the de facto Pheu Thai boss.
He apparently referred to the Corrections Department which is currently in charge of Thaksin’s case since the deposed prime minister returned from self-exile overseas last August and allegedly manipulated to keep himself from being literally put behind bars at Bangkok Remand Prison where he had been earlier destined to.
However, chief opposition whip Pakornwut Udompipatsakul contended that legislators be free to make comments on the department attached to the Ministry of Justice, particularly pertaining to its planned expenditure of funds out of the 2024 budget and its disputably handling the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large.
The agency has been taken to task by government critics and street activists for allegedly applying double standards and using legal loopholes unprovided for other convicts.
The de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large has been staying in a tight-security, private ward at Police Hospital for four and a half months now without schedule to be discharged amidst sustained speculation that he would likely be transferred sooner than later to some living quarters where he could stay in “house arrest” fashion before he is released on parole by late next month.
CAPTION:
De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra next to Police Hospital, above, and Corrections Department logo, Front Page.Both photos: Matichon
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