Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is anticipated to be arrested upon his return as he ends nearly 20 years of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS FILE PHOTO
BANGKOK — Thailand’s billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted a request for a royal pardon, native media reported on Thursday, citing the outgoing justice minister.
The influential Thaksin, Thailand’s most well-known politician, is at present serving an eight-year jail sentence for abuse of energy and conflicts of curiosity after coming back from 15 years of self-imposed exile final week.
A consultant of the 74-year-old Thaksin declined to remark when requested by Reuters for affirmation. His lawyer on Wednesday mentioned Thaksin was getting ready the request on his personal.
The previous telecoms tycoon returned to Thailand final week in a dramatic homecoming, arriving on a non-public jet and greeting supporters earlier than being moved to a jail. On his first in jail, he was transferred to a police hospital, with authorities citing chest pains and hypertension.
The pardon request was submitted Thaksin’s household, Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam was quoted as saying in native media stories.
A request for royal pardon should be submitted by means of the corrections division to the justice minister. It’s then thought-about by the prime minister, who should then submit it to King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Thaksin’s return final week coincided with political ally and fellow tycoon Srettha Thavisin profitable a parliamentary vote to grow to be prime minister that very same day, with pro-military events backing his Pheu Thai Social gathering, based by the Shinawatra household.
The occasions added to hypothesis that Thaksin has struck a cope with his bitter rivals within the conservative institution and royalist army, which ousted him in a 2006 coup, accusing him of corruption and disloyalty to the highly effective monarchy.
Thaksin denied these allegations and has rejected discuss of a cope with the generals.
RELATED STORIES
Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin enters jail in Thailand, dealing with 8-year sentence
Thailand’s Srettha elected PM as ally Thaksin returns from exile and goes to jail
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
Learn Subsequent
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get entry to The Philippine Every day Inquirer & different 70+ titles, share as much as 5 devices, take heed to the information, obtain as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Name 896 6000.
For suggestions, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
