Thaksin Seeks Amnesty to Clear Charges, Exit Politics
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asked the Social Harmony Promotion Committee to grant him amnesty and lift all political charges, saying he wants to clear his name and retire from politics. His lawyer submitted the petition on October 8, and the committee will review it under the Social Harmony Promotion Act, with a decision expected within 180 days. The move is framed as part of a broader push for national reconciliation.
On October 12, Winyat Chatmontri, personal lawyer of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, disclosed that on October 8 Thaksin had granted him power of attorney to submit a petition to the Social Harmony Promotion Committee via the joint service centre of the Office of the Prime Minister's Permanent Secretariat (SPN) to the committee chair. The petition seeks a ruling granting amnesty and exempting him from all liability under the Social Harmony Promotion Act BE 2568, leaving the decision to the committee’s discretion. Winyat said he hopes for a broad, non‑discriminatory interpretation that follows the law’s spirit, adding that the filing covers all amnesty‑related matters without separating them into individual cases.
He added that Thaksin’s goal is to clear his name, demonstrate that everything he has done was for the public and the country, and that the matter is purely political. Therefore, the petition aims to wash away the allegations against him and the penalties he has incurred, so he can earn a living and live peacefully, noting his advanced age and his desire to stay out of politics.
Permanent Secretary Chat Chai Bangchawat, who also serves as the committee’s secretary, said he would first verify whether the petition was genuinely submitted. If it is, it will be forwarded to a sub‑committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice for an initial review to determine whether Thaksin’s motion falls within the committee’s mandate. If it does, the matter will be sent to the full committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pakon Nilphat, for consideration.
Regarding Thaksin’s claim that he seeks amnesty because the country needs national reconciliation, Chat Chai said the committee must examine whether there is a political motive; purely non‑political cases would not qualify, and many instances may require political evidence or justification.
He noted that the committee has not yet set a meeting date and will need to consult the Ministry of Justice’s permanent secretary again, expecting a meeting soon as they are still gathering petitions. The law requires the committee to complete its work within 180 days.
