House Panel Lacks Authority to Summon Thaksin for Inquiry

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Bangkok Police Hospital. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

A House committee investigating allegations of privileged treatment afforded to Thailand's former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, during his detention at Police General Hospital in Bangkok, has been informed that it lacks the necessary authority to summon him or relevant agencies.

 

The Department of Corrections has curtailed the committee's aspirations, stating the investigation falls outside its jurisdiction.

 

The committee on state security, border affairs, national strategy and reform, led by opposition People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome, claims to have uncovered 'worrying' information in a previous session, pointing to the handling of sick prisoners and standards of care in police hospitals.

 

However, the Department of Corrections, reiterated by Somboon Muangklam, an adviser to the justice minister, indicates this overlaps with investigations already being conducted by other bodies, including the police affairs committee.

Despite these constraints, the committee has extended invitations to Thaksin, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, and other key figures to attend its meetings. The aim is to demystify public perceptions and provide transparency over allegations that Thaksin received preferential hospital treatment.

 

Rangsiman Rome, speaking on Thursday, urged Thaksin to clarify the situation publicly, asserting that an explanation could dispel lingering doubts among the populace. Yet, it remains uncertain whether the justice minister or corrections chief will attend the hearings scheduled for Friday.

 

Thaksin, having returned to Thailand in August after a 15-year self-exile period, was promptly incarcerated by the Supreme Court's directive. His imprisonment term was initially set for eight years but subsequently reduced to one year via royal pardon.

 

Notably, despite a formal prison sentence, Thaksin began his detention in Police General Hospital and subsequently walked free after securing parole, igniting criticism over the conditions of his stay, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-22

 

 

[ikke1959]

Of course it needs to be blocked... suppose it would be confirmed that he was never in the hospital treated for any disease....and all the information about it was fake... That would cause problems

[Geoffggi]

Who said no one is above the law, obviously they were wrong; this farce only goes to highlight the corruption within the elite class this sends a clear message to the common people

[ozz1]

Teflon takhsin strikes again no wonder people have no faith in the police and judicial process here

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

Who said no one is above the law, obviously they were wrong

 

The guy who's in charge of the country ?

 

[webfact]

Justice Ministry Uneasy Over Second Thaksin Inquiry Summons

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

The Ministry of Justice and the Department of Corrections have formally requested Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House of Representatives, to resolve jurisdictional concerns regarding a second summons by the House’s Committee on National Security.

 

The inquiry focuses on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital stay during his incarceration.

 

At a press conference on 21 November, Somboon Muangklum, an adviser to the Justice Minister, stated that the Ministry aims to cooperate fully but questions the committee's authority.

 

He highlighted concerns over overlapping responsibilities with the Police Affairs Committee, which has already conducted investigations into Thaksin’s treatment at the Police General Hospital.

 

The Department of Corrections has expressed reservations, citing three main reasons. First, the National Security Committee's mandate, as defined by the Constitution, does not cover this matter.

Second, the issue has already been examined by the Police Affairs Committee, raising concerns about duplication of effort. Finally, independent agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Ombudsman are already investigating, reducing the need for further parliamentary oversight.

 

The Justice Ministry has communicated its concerns to the Speaker and the committee, referencing legal provisions and parliamentary rules.

 

While the National Security Committee has summoned over ten officials, including the Justice Minister, for a hearing on 22 November, it remains unclear whether all will attend. Somboon indicated that attendance would be at the discretion of each individual.

 

When asked if the absence of officials might be construed as an attempt to conceal information, Somboon dismissed the notion, citing ongoing investigations by the NACC and other bodies.

 

He also denied allegations of preferential treatment for Thaksin, noting that scrutiny of his case is extensive.

 

The issue of overlapping inquiries has drawn attention to broader questions of committee jurisdiction and efficiency.

 

Somboon reiterated the Ministry’s willingness to cooperate within appropriate legal boundaries while emphasising the need for clarity in parliamentary processes, reported Daily News.

 

-- 2024-11-22

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

Who said no one is above the law, obviously they were wrong; this farce only goes to highlight the corruption within the elite class this sends a clear message to the common people

 

Anyone in Thailand is above the law if they have enough money/power.

We have all seen too many examples Red Bull, Prawit, Charoen Pokphand and so on.

The dinosaurs are only after Thaksin because he has the poor behind him - doesn't support the military/uber-rich.

Three of the Thaksin Clan kicked out by the military so far, and one more in the pipeline.

The military will fabricate any evidence and create any sub committee in order to remove the Thaksin dynasty.

[Hardcastle P]

No surprise there then.