Deputy PM Secretary Denies Pressure Over Thaksin Reconciliation Petition
Deputy PM Secretary Chat Chai Bangchud denied pressure on reconciliation committee members, confirming the screening panel has reviewed Thaksin's petition among nearly 30 submissions.
At 08:50 on November 6, 2026, at Government House, Chat Chai Bangchud, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister (Sor Por Nor), in his capacity as chairman of the public relations subcommittee and secretary of the National Reconciliation Committee, stated that the screening subcommittee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, met on November 2. The public relations subcommittee he chairs will meet next week before both subcommittees' results are forwarded to the main committee, which is expected to meet within November. He confirmed nearly 30 petitions of various types have been received, and the screening subcommittee will verify if they meet legal criteria. When asked about political cases or politicians, Chat Chai explained that under the Reconciliation Act, petitions must initially have political motivation, then be examined for specific relevant issues. If they do not meet the criteria in the announcement's annex, they will not proceed under the law. Regarding reports of pressure on committee members in exchange for votes, and whether he personally received any calls, Chat Chai firmly denied any pressure, stating he performs his duties normally according to procedure. He emphasized everything follows clear legal guidelines and criteria that all members have studied. The screening subcommittee has preliminary authority to reject petitions, but when cases reach the main committee, opinions must accompany rejections. He acknowledged the screening subcommittee has reviewed Thaksin's petition but did not know if it will be presented to the next main committee meeting.
