BANGKOK, Nov 17 – The leader of Thailand's so-called multi-coloured shirted group on Thursday submitted a letter to the Council of State opposing the government’s revised decree on royal pardons for convicts, saying the amended decree would benefit fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Dr Tul Sitthisomwong, coordinator of the group, launched his move after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, reportedly endorsed an amnesty decree for the occasion of the 84th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol.
The letter was submitted via Sirinan Pansemsri, a senior officer of the Council of State.
Ms Sirinan said she would forward the letter to the secretary-general of the Council of State, but as of Thursday, the council had not yet received the revised draft from the cabinet.
Dr Tul said the revised decree opened way for convicts to seek royal pardons without serving jail terms, reducing the imprisonment period from actually serving one year to holding 2 or 3 years of conviction, and allowing those who have been convicted of particular charges such as corruption, earlier disqualified from seeking amnesty, to apply for it.
"The changes make Mr Thaksin eligible to apply for a royal pardon," said the activist leader.
Dr Tul stated the multi-coloured group acted to formally submit the complaint to the Council of State as the cabinet move was considered "inappropriate" and benefits only one person. It is also against the rule of law, he said, under which law enforcement should be equally applied to everyone.
The activist said the multi-coloured group will rally at Lumpini Park Friday evening to inform the public of the government's move on the amnesty draft.
The group will also submit a petition signed by those who oppose the attempt to seek a pardon for the ousted premier to Justice Minister Pracha Promnog at Government House on Nov 22 as he is in charge of the matter.
The Opposition also lodged a fresh motion asking Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra about the matter during the house session on Thursday.
The premier, however, was not present at the Parliament session, but instead assigned deputy premier Chalerm to clarify the matter on her behalf.
Mr Chalerm insisted the details of the decree could not be made public as doing so is tantamount to violation of the law and would put anyone who discusses it at risk of being impeached.
He told Parliament that the amnesty decree did not aim to help any particular person and that it is in compliance with the law.
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