Petition submitted against Thaksin seeking Royal pardon

Thaksin Shinawatra (Tony Woodsome)

The Thai Pakdee party submitted a petition to Corrections Department director general on Monday, opposing any attempt by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to seek a Royal pardon.

The party’s move was triggered by widespread reports that Thaksin, who is serving eight years in prison and who is currently being treated at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok, may seek a pardon.

Anand Sakorncharoen, treasurer of Thai Pakdee, said that, the petition is based on the fact that former prime minister Thaksin has been convicted of corruption in four cases, which gravely damaged the country’s governance and reputation.

“Thaksin also evaded punishment for long time by fleeing abroad, clearly showing that he does not respect the country’s justice system. “Therefore, Thaksin’s petition for a Royal pardon would “bother” the King,”…