“Rutthaphon” Acknowledges No Report Received Yet on Whether “Thaksin” Qualifies for Amnesty

Today (3 November 2026) at 8:21 AM at the Monthathip Hall International Convention Center in Udon Thani province, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphol Naowarat, Minister of Justice and Vice-Chairman of the Committee for Promoting a Peaceful Society, addressed the status of an amnesty request submitted by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He explained that the matter must first pass through a screening subcommittee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice before reaching the main committee. He emphasized that all proceedings must strictly adhere to the Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society.

When asked whether the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice had provided any informal updates on whether Thaksin meets the criteria for amnesty, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol stated that no such report has been received, nor has any information been presented to the main committee; if there were to be a report, it would be submitted directly to the full committee.

Regarding reports suggesting that Thaksin might be pressuring the committee to secure amnesty in exchange for votes during a no-confidence debate, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol dismissed the notion, noting that it is unlikely and unrelated, as the legal provisions and criteria are quite clear. The law is explicit: cases involving corruption or offenses under Section 112 do not meet the criteria for amnesty.

When asked whether he had heard of any such pressure, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol stated that he had not, adding that the matter has not yet reached the main committee.

Regarding Thaksin’s claim that his cases are a consequence of the coup, and whether this might qualify him for amnesty, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol noted that this would need to be evaluated by a subcommittee, which must strictly adhere to the provisions of the Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society.

When asked if it could be definitively concluded that Thaksin does not meet the criteria for amnesty, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol replied that the details must first be examined by the subcommittee, which will assess the specific conditions before the matter is forwarded to the main committee; only then will the situation be clear.

When pressed on whether there might be any other avenue for Thaksin to seek amnesty if he fails to meet the established criteria, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol stated that he was unaware of any such alternative procedures or where one might file such a request.

When further asked whether Thaksin could initiate legal action against the committee if it determines that he does not meet the criteria, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol remarked that while such a lawsuit is possible, the committee’s deliberations will be conducted strictly in accordance with the law.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong