Rome Urges Scrutiny of Thaksin Amnesty-for-Votes Rumors

On October 31, 2026, Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, gave an interview regarding rumors that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is pressuring members of the Peace-Building Committee to approve an amnesty request in exchange for votes in the no-confidence debate. Rangsiman said that if such negotiations are actually taking place, the public will see that the opposition is doing its duty, but how each side plays the political game is beyond their control. He added that the opposition can only present witnesses and evidence to Parliament, and hopes both sides will use common sense and act in the national interest when voting. Regarding the BMA governor issue, Rangsiman confirmed the opposition will pursue a no-confidence debate, but questioned whether politicians in Parliament can accept actions that constitute crimes against the democratic system. He emphasized that the public must help verify political maneuvers. Rangsiman further stated that if the government has no wounds — or if the wounds are not real — there is no need to fear. The fact that negotiations might be happening suggests the wounds are real, but justice cannot prevail because vested interests interfere, which the public must also scrutinize. When asked if the rumors turning out true would mean a farce mocking the public, Rangsiman declined to criticize specifically, noting the facts remain unclear and it is largely rumor. However, he acknowledged that as politicians, when a no-confidence motion is filed, various factions — even within the government and the 'blue camp' — are not silent but have internal tensions and informants sending information. 'The existence of wounds may lead some to use this for leverage, I don't know. But I believe the stronger the opposition's no-confidence case, the higher the price of leverage may go. But I don't want to specify which party is the source, because we must listen carefully,' Rangsiman said.