Thaksin Seeks Political Amnesty Amid Secret Deal Claims

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted a petition to a sub-committee for screening under the Reconciliation Act, exercising his rights under the legislation to pursue political amnesty. Thaksin likely considers himself a victim of political persecution since the military seized power in a coup, which affected him as well. The sub-committee's deliberations will need to be monitored going forward.

From democratic and international perspectives, Thaksin is seen as deserving rights as a victim; otherwise, during his years in exile fleeing the coup, he would not have been able to travel freely to other countries.

Returning to Thaksin's current petition, which faces heavy criticism, observers question whether it might constitute a secret deal or agreement — particularly with Prime Minister Anutin and Bhumjaithai Party leaders — in exchange for Pheu Thai votes in the no-confidence debate, with Thaksin receiving amnesty in return.

Most recently, PM Anutin confirmed there is no parliamentary horse-trading over Thaksin. He stated that on every occasion he has met with Pheu Thai's leader, secretary-general, and senior figures, all have affirmed in their capacity as coalition partners that they support each other with no hidden agenda. This explanation may partly address doubts, though those unwilling to believe will likely remain unconvinced.

Another noteworthy explanation comes from Natthawut Saikua, a former red-shirt leader and close associate of the Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family. Natthawut stated the facts of Thaksin's cases: no prison sentences remain from any final court rulings, all matters concluded after his release. The lese-majeste case currently in the Court of Appeal must proceed through the judicial process because it is an explicit exception written into the Reconciliation Act.

Regarding the amnesty petition, Natthawut said it aims to clear Thaksin's criminal record because all original cases stemmed from the coup regime's power, and Thaksin is exercising rights equal to any Thai citizen. The outcome rests solely with the committee's discretion.

On rumors of a secret deal trading Pheu Thai votes for amnesty, Natthawut said it is likely both fake news and a fake deal. Given the actual political situation, government support votes are not in a precarious, pressured position, nor are there coalition cooperation problems. Thus, any alleged Thaksin secret deal may well be a fake deal, as Natthawut put it.