Deputy PM Pakorn Says No Report Yet from Amnesty Screening Subcommittee, Declines to Comment on Thaksins Eligibility - Thairath English
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapap revealed that the amnesty screening subcommittee has not yet reported its meeting results. He declined to comment on whether Thaksin Shinawatra qualifies, stressing that the process is straightforward and strictly legal without political considerations. He also noted that the full board can hold views differing from the subcommittee's.
At 08:15 on 3 Nov 2026 at Montathip Hall Conference Center in Udon Thani province, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapap, acting as chairman of the Peaceful Society Promotion Committee, spoke about the screening subcommittee meeting under the 2026 Peaceful Society Promotion Act, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.
On 2 Nov, he said no report has been received yet because the full committee appointed the subcommittee to screen petitions to determine if they meet criteria. Any resolutions will be forwarded to the full committee. Initially, petitions and final rulings are gathered by the Secretariat Office of the Prime Minister and then presented to the subcommittee.
When asked if the full committee can hold different views from the subcommittee, Pakorn said yes, depending on the full committee's resolution. Asked if the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who filed for amnesty to clear political convictions, has been reviewed, Pakorn said no, as nothing has been seen yet. He noted hearing news of petitions submitted by several people but no details have been seen as the Secretariat is still gathering information.
Regarding whether Section 112 cases are excluded, Pakorn said the law clearly states that corruption cases and Section 112 cases are not eligible under the Act. Asked if Thaksin's involvement makes it a political issue, he said no, emphasizing his straightforward stance and that no one has instructed or influenced him. He only knows what has been reported in the news.
When pressed if it remains a political issue, Pakorn said he does not consider political dimensions, focusing on legal aspects. He added it is unlikely because people are watching closely and no one would dare break the law. Asked if Thaksin knew he did not qualify but still submitted a petition, would that have any effect, Pakorn said it is a right to submit if one believes they meet criteria, and the committee will decide accordingly.
Asked how long the review process takes after petition submission, Pakorn said the petition must go through the screening subcommittee, which decides with reasons before presenting to the full committee.
When asked if Thaksin's reasoning that his case stems from the aftermath of a coup would qualify, Pakorn said he could not comment as he has not seen the documents. He noted it is just news he has heard but without seeing the documents, he is not ready to comment or give an opinion.
