Just How Easy Is It To Pardon Thaksin

[virtualtraveller]

So, within a week or two there's a possibility we'll be having a new election, or within a month a successful no confidence debate might put Puea Thai in the driving seat (making them an 'illegitimate govt).

Question is, when they inevitably return to power just how easy would it be for them to pardon Thaksin? Anyone know their political stuff, I'm keen to know the procedure.

1. To simply pardon someone, can the ruling party grant this without any parliamentary debate.

2. If it's a political case, do they have to have a parliamentary debate and get more than a simple majority (ie rely on coalition partners)

3. Can the senate block the pardon bid.

4. As I understand it, the only one who can issue the pardon is the king, and only based on certain criteria, which is why the petition to pardon Thaksin has gone nowhere, does the same apply. So, no matter what, Thaksin would have to come and serve some of his sentence.

5. PT seem intent on returning to the 1997 constitution, would this be a game changer, does it change the pardon rules (or is that something that remained unchanged between the old and new charter).

6. If the 1997 constitution was brought back, would it immediately make all cases against Thaksin null and void or would this be a matter for the supreme court to decide.

7. What would it take to bring back the 1997 charter? Can the PT achieve this with a simple majority (if they won an election outright), or do they need 2/3rds majority vote in the house. Can the senate block it.

8. If the 1997 constitution was returned, even briefly, what would be the political ramifications for Thaksin and the TRT. If they declared that they were no longer banned just like that, could the old TRT be revived. Would it really mean that all procedures initiated since the coup were unlawful. Would the judiciary and society accept a simple whitewash or would it go to the courts in a lengthy argument, and during which time would it pave the way for Thaksin to return 'pending the outcome' free on bail to 'run the country' and direct things.

All these complicate the issue, notwithstanding the fact that huge street protests would pressure the govt and make them think twice about any audacious moves. The trouble is, there will be a sense of urgency this time as Thaksin seeks to slow down and stop the wheels of justice pending all other cases against him. Basically, the more times he gets convicted the messier and more challenging it is for PT to clean it all up.

I suspect there's a chance something radical will be done to tear up the 2007 charter and declare everything under it void.

[Moonrakers]

Even if any government could just give out pardon's as they see fit I doubt that it would be that easy because I suspect that the yellows and they army might have a thing or two to say about it.

If any government did somehow manage to Thaksin pardoned, then they wouldn't be in government for long.

[tw25rw]

I thought the pardon needed royal ascent, which hasn't been forthcoming so far.

[britmaveric]

^hasn't been submitted to royals yet. Current stand is Khun T must return to thailand before pardon is submitted.

[geriatrickid]

I do not believe the person needed to sign the pardon has been or will be convinced of the merit of granting a pardon. I believe remorse must be shown as well as an ability to be a positive contributing part of society. I'm not belittling Mr. Thaksin, merely noting that the requirements for a pardon have to be met, and it is far easier to obtain a pardon in Thailand than in some other countries. If one recalls the case of that Swiss drunk, the pardon was a real act of kindness, although it may have doubled as taking out the trash as well, since it meant the fellow could then be deported.

[Moonrakers]

I do not believe the person needed to sign the pardon has been or will be convinced of the merit of granting a pardon. I believe remorse must be shown as well as an ability to be a positive contributing part of society. I'm not belittling Mr. Thaksin, merely noting that the requirements for a pardon have to be met, and it is far easier to obtain a pardon in Thailand than in some other countries. If one recalls the case of that Swiss drunk, the pardon was a real act of kindness, although it may have doubled as taking out the trash as well, since it meant the fellow could then be deported.

Have to agree with you there. How could somebody possibly be pardoned, which is an act of forgiveness, when they are still denying having done anything wrong and showing no remorse.

[Sparkles]

I do not believe the person needed to sign the pardon has been or will be convinced of the merit of granting a pardon. I believe remorse must be shown as well as an ability to be a positive contributing part of society. I'm not belittling Mr. Thaksin, merely noting that the requirements for a pardon have to be met, and it is far easier to obtain a pardon in Thailand than in some other countries. If one recalls the case of that Swiss drunk, the pardon was a real act of kindness, although it may have doubled as taking out the trash as well, since it meant the fellow could then be deported.

Have to agree with you there. How could somebody possibly be pardoned, which is an act of forgiveness, when they are still denying having done anything wrong and showing no remorse.

Hypothetically if he was pardoned it makes a mockery of guilty decisons brought down by the judicial process. as he has constantly stated he is innocent. I can't really see it happening but hey this is Thailand anything is possible. Even when convicted it seems an age before anyone actually gets locked up

[britmaveric]

Be a good move if he was pardoned - save a lot of headaches in the long run.

[Mario2008]

1 post deleted. Keep His Majesty the King out of the discussion!

[webfact]

Forum rule #2

2) Not to express disrespect of the King of Thailand or anyone else in the Thai royal family, whether living or deceased, nor to criticize the monarchy as an institution. Speculation, comments and discussion of either a political or personal nature are not allowed when discussing HM The King or the Royal family. Discussion of the lese majeste law or lese majeste cases is permitted on the forum, providing no comment or speculation is made referencing the royal family. To breach this rule will result in immediate ban.

[chantorn]

If Thaksin promise to dress only in YELLOW, PAD will pardon him immediately.