Amnesty Panel Says Thaksin Corruption Cases Don't Qualify
The amnesty screening subcommittee ruled that Thaksin Shinawatra's four corruption cases do not qualify for political amnesty as they involve malfeasance by a political office holder.
The screening subcommittee for the Social Harmony Promotion Act B.E. 2569 held its first meeting on November 2, 2026, at the Ministry of Justice to consider 23 amnesty requests. The spotlight fell on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's petition seeking amnesty for four cases: 1) a 4-billion-baht low-interest loan from the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank); 2) the three-digit, two-digit special lottery project (underground lottery); 3) the conversion of telecom and satellite concession fees (Thaicom); and 4) the 46-billion-baht asset seizure case. The subcommittee informally conveyed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister that Thaksin's request does not qualify for amnesty under the Act because all four are criminal cases involving a political office holder, where courts have found guilt related to malfeasance in office — using authority to seek improper benefits for oneself or others, constituting corruption under the Anti-Corruption Acts of B.E. 2542 and B.E. 2561. The meeting, chaired by Permanent Secretary for Justice Piyawat Watcharawong, aims to screen facts, evidence, and law before submitting opinions to the main committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The 23 agenda items include political cases and detainees or suspects in political assemblies from January 1, 2005 to July 16, 2025 (excluding lese-majeste, corruption, severe bodily harm, and personal offenses). Those meeting criteria could receive political amnesty leading to criminal record clearance, case dismissal, or release from detention.
