Minister: Pardon petition no legal basis

Published: 16/07/2009 at 04:32 PM
Online news: Local News

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and its red-shirt supporters must stop their signature campaign for a royal pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra because it does not meet the requirements of the law, Justice Minister Peerapan Saleerathawipak said on Thursday.

"The principle of law applies to offenders who accept their own mistakes, " Mr Peerapan said.

"A royal pardon is granted to reduce the penalty, but not as an acquittal. There is no law on the books that can revoke a court ruling," he said.

The justice minister said he feared the UDD's move to collect a million signatures on a petition to seek a royal pardon for the fugitive politician could cause further unrest in the country.

Leaders of the anti-government movement should already understand the law, but may be trying to intentionally mislead the people, he said

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djo

Discussion 7 : 17/07/2009 at 08:56 AM7
To Andre
"Taxhim was removed by force, there was no other way": it means that there's no law in constitution mentioned to remove the elected government, that's why the force made their own law and practiced by themselves. If you win the next election you can create the law of coup and the army can involve in politics. LOl!
RicefieldRadio

Discussion 6 : 16/07/2009 at 11:46 PM6
The reds and anyone else have the constitutional right to petition and collect signatures. If you want to stop a dam project or have an environmental issue you can petition there is nothing illegal about it.

Just because a petition goes not have legal ground for action does not mean you can not collect signatures.

The reds and anyone else have the right. The government doesn't want to see a huge petition because it's just as much a statement against the government, as for Thaksin.

It doesn't even mater if the reds give it to HM for consideration, it's damaging to the government's image. Which by the way Andre, has a lot of tarnish on it lately.
boon

Discussion 5 : 16/07/2009 at 10:27 PM5
Khun Andre M

Are you suggesting that the 2006 is legal because there was no other way? On your accusation and speculation, can you back them up with real human stories?

The present illegal government is also prompt in using military, fire live ammunition, intimidation, closing down radio stations, supported terrorism, misuse medias, protecting underground illegal operations, suppressing and oppressing the 'poor', telling lies, fabricating stories, and exaggeration. Can we therefore use force - may be through street guerrilla warfare like what is happening in the south because there is just no other way. They have the tanks, M16 and lots of fire power.
Paul

Discussion 4 : 16/07/2009 at 10:06 PM4
Andre - You are the one with your eyes shut! The Coup was unconstitional under the Charter in effect at the time. The military was very careful to make sure that they would be absolved of any wrong doing when they wrote the new charter (which is under, law, still illegal) But since they appointed the court Justices, what else can you expect?
Andre M.

Discussion 3 : 16/07/2009 at 08:15 PM3
Justice?? Is Boon talking about justice?? It was in the eyes of many justice that the megalomaniac Taxhim was removed by force, there was no other way, he was permeating whole of society including the army with his brown nosers. Ask the families of the 2,500 ++ killed on his command about justice. This man bought 16 mln simple people to justify him robbing this nation and the "Boons'" of this country still have their eyes firmly shut.
Swedenfarang

Discussion 2 : 16/07/2009 at 06:34 PM2
Why must stop collecting signatures? You can not demonstrate in Phuket! Do not the Government like to know or like the Thai people to show their points of views in politics. Election results are not valid?
Can you believe it´s a Democratic Government in charge in Thailand???????
Boon

Discussion 1 : 16/07/2009 at 04:45 PM1
The minister is right. Anti-government leaders already understand the law. The 2006 coup was unconstitutional. Appointing investigators and judges who are Thaksin and TRT enemies is not justice. Using retroactive law is injustice. Therefore Thaksin is not a convict and banning and dissolving TRT was not legal. The minister should know the law very well.

Minister: Pardon petition no legal basis