Justice Ministry Official Addresses Thaksin Shinawatra’s Amnesty Request
The Ministry of Justice is preparing to review amnesty applications, including one from former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, under the Social Peacebuilding Act.
On October 26, 2026, Piyasiri Wattanavarangkul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and chair of a screening subcommittee, addressed reports regarding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s request for amnesty under the Social Peacebuilding Act.
Speaking at Government House, Piyasiri clarified that while the request has been reported in the media, the formal documentation has not yet reached his subcommittee. He emphasized that once the paperwork is received, the committee will process it without complexity, following standard procedures. He noted that the subcommittee is currently in the information-gathering phase and will convene once the files are ready for review.
For residents and observers, this development is significant as it marks a formal step in the government's broader initiative to address political cases through the Social Peacebuilding Act. The process aims to provide reconciliation for various groups, including youth and those currently incarcerated, rather than focusing solely on high-profile political figures.
What remains to be confirmed is the specific timeline for the subcommittee’s meeting and the final interpretation of the amnesty criteria, which will be determined by the main committee. The public is advised that this is an ongoing administrative process, and no final decisions have been reached regarding the eligibility or approval of any specific applicant.
