The Thai political landscape is witnessing yet another ripple as a fresh move by former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak seeks to have ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to jail.
Thaksin, a prominent figure in Thailand's political scenario and father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has come under scrutiny once more for allegedly circumventing his jail term.
Having been granted a royal pardon last year upon his return from a self-imposed 17-year exile, Thaksin's initial eight-year sentence for power abuse was reduced to a single year.
However, it is claimed that Thaksin has not served this year-long sentence in full, avoiding physical incarceration altogether. Instead, he spent six months in a private ward at the Police Hospital before his release on parole earlier in the year, sparking accusations of legal manipulation.
Charnchai is appealing to Thailand's Supreme Court to rule retroactively, asserting that Thaksin had utilised his influence to evade jail, a move that is "categorically against the law."
The crux of the matter lies in whether the Corrections Department legally transferred Thaksin to the hospital. Normally, such a transfer would necessitate prior approval from the Criminal Court, something that allegedly did not occur in this case, regardless of Thaksin's reported "critical illness."
Should the Supreme Court rule in favour of Charnchai's petition, Thaksin could face returning to prison to complete his sentence. Further, Corrections Department Director-General Sahakarn Petchnarin could also face misconduct charges if found complicit.
This development adds another layer to the saga surrounding the Shinawatra family and their ongoing influence in Thai politics. The outcome of this legal challenge will undoubtedly impact the country's political narrative in the coming months, reported Thai Newsroom.
Picture courtesy: Thai Rath
-- 2024-10-22
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