Thaksin's passport revocation: Ministry to send circulars to Thai embassies overseas

[webfact]

Ministry to send circulars to Thai embassies overseas about Thaksin’s passport revocation



BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Affairs Ministry is sending out circular letters to all Thai embassies worldwide to inform that that it has already revoked two passports of ousted premierThaksin Shinawatra, effective May 26.

Sek Wannamethee, spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, said Thaksin now holds no Thai passport.

But he said Thaksin could still return to Thailand and his political movement overseas from now will be considered his own matter.

He said the ministry announced the revocation of two passports of Thaksin following comments he gave to South Korean media last week, which were deemed a threat to the national security, and damaging dignity of the country.

The revocation of passports number U957441 and Z530117, which belonged to Thaksin, became effective from Tuesday.

The two passports were issued for Thaksin when Surapong Tovichakchaikul held a position of foreign minister under the government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Sek said the Royal Thai Police had requested the ministry to consider revoking the passports after comments made by Thaksin in Seoul last week contained elements that affected national security and the country’s dignity and reputation.

Permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs Norachit Singhaseni clarified Thai nationals are allowed to hold more than one passport.

He said the revocation of Thaksin’s passport will not affect his oversea travels.

Meanwhile, Tongchai Chasawath, director-general of the Consular Department, explained further that in a normal case, people whose passport is revoked would return to Thailand immediately.

But in this case, it is still up to Thaksin to decide whether he will return to Thailand.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/ministry-to-send-circulars-to-thai-embassies-overseas-about-thaksins-passport-revocation


-- Thai PBS 2015-05-28

[Somtamnication]

Not an issue, Mr. Secretary. This guy has Nicaraguan and Montenegro passports. Life goes on.

[Srikcir]

Largely symbolic effort to revoke his passport but keeps the nation focused on Thaksin as a political danger to the Junta.

Essentially the Junta once again shoots itself in its foot by continuing to stir political conflicts in the nation instead of reconciling them. But maybe deliberately so to justify NCPO's continued rule of the nation.

[Ulic]

Surapong Tovichakchaikul should be investigated for aiding and abetting a convicted felon.

Issuing Thaksin a diplomatic passport. Criminal I say.

[Morakot]

passports number U957441 and Z530117

Lottery numbers sorted!

[chainarong]

passports number U957441 and Z530117

Lottery numbers sorted!

Question is, did you back any winners

[mike324]

Not an issue, Mr. Secretary. This guy has Nicaraguan and Montenegro passports. Life goes on.

Yup he even has a diplomatic passport from one of those countries.

[Jonmarleesco]

'Permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs Norachit Singhaseni clarified Thai nationals are allowed to hold more than one passport.' Really? I have been long under the impression that, despite there being many dual nationals, including a number of foreign residents, Thailand didn't officially recognise dual nationality.

[Greenhill]

Could someone please explain the purpose of notifying Thai Embassies re the withdrawal/cancellation of Thaksin's passports??? Why would he need to visit a Thai Embassy? I don't think he needs a visa to come back to Thailand!!

[aussiesteve63]

Greenhill I believe it's so they can inform the respective countries where they are situated