Junta Leader to Sponsor Amnesty for Former Thai Rak Thai Executives

Council for National Security chairman says an amnesty law could provide a way for former Thai Rak Thai executives to remain in politics.

Speaking on the Public Relations Department's program on channel 11 last night, Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin revealed that the 111 former executives from the Thai Rak Thai who recently had their political rights revoked, could still remain in political circles.

General Sonthi said that if the CNS withdraws the Council for Democratic Reform's 15th and 27th announcements forbidding political party activities and the establishment of new political entities, the defunct TRT officials could have a chance to run in the next election.

Sonthi believes that the lifting of the ban would allow politics to move torward reconciliation. He added that when the CNS abolishes the announcements, the government will need to propose an amnesty law and present it to the National Legislative Assembly to implement the draft into an act.

However, the CNS chairman admitted that, ultimately, the decision rested on the prime minister and the cabinet members.

The general insisted that allowing an amnesty law aimed to mollify the current political crisis, not bow to pressure asserted by political groups.

The chairman revealed he has already held a preliminary discussion with the Prime Minister on the matter, and the PM agreed that he wants to see peace restored in society. General SONTHI said the timing of the enactment of an amnesty law depends on the government's and the National Legislative Assembly's procedures.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum pointed out that if the Cabinet endorses the initiative and presents it to the NLA, the act will be implemented in a month, or two months' time at the latest.

Thailand Outlook Channel