AS former prime minister and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted a petition to the Committee for Promoting Social Harmony requesting a ruling on his eligibility for amnesty and exemption from all liability under the Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society, B.E. 2569 (2026), a former MP defended him for doing so, Naewna newspaper said late last night (Oct. 12).
In an online comment Mr. Kokaew Pikulthong, this camp’s former party-list MP, asked what is so strange about this move, noting that those who seized power, meaning the generals who mounted coups d’état, granted themselves amnesty, and those who occupied the airports also received amnesty.
In November and December 2008, anti-government “Yellow Shirt” protesters belonging to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) seized Bangkok’s two main airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport, to force out the administration of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat.
“Why, then, should a former prime minister who was ousted in a coup not receive amnesty—especially given the significant achievements and benefits he delivered, which Thai people still utilise to this day?
“Beyond the issue of his achievements, one must also look back at the origins of the legal proceedings. These cases arose within the context of political conflict following the 2006 coup d’état, and there have been debates regarding their connection to the exercise of power by the coup council.
“If the intent of this law is to resolve political conflict, restore rights equitably, and foster reconciliation, then the same criteria must be applied to all parties. It cannot be the case that one side seizes power and grants itself amnesty, while the other is denied that right simply because they were the ones ousted from power.
“After all, if justice is to be restored, it must be done equitably. It shouldn’t be the case that anyone else meeting the criteria receives amnesty, yet when it comes to Thaksin, people loudly insist he doesn’t deserve it—even though, if he meets the legal requirements, he is entitled to the same rights.
“Or is it, ultimately, your own prejudice that stands above all these principles?” Kokaew wrote.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: Former prime minister and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra with former MP Kokaew Pikulthong. Photo – Naewna
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