Thaksin can request a royal pardon within 24 hours of beginning his prison sentence
Thailand's former head of government Thaksin Shinawata, who has been forced out of his homeland for years, has announced plans to return to the state on August 10 this year. Upon arrival, he will have to serve a prison sentence for numerous charges of corruption and using power for personal gain while leading the country from 2001 to 2006.
Specifically, Thaksin was sentenced in absentia to 2 years in prison in 2008 for acquiring a government land parcel at a substantially reduced price for his wife's personal use. This case occurred during Thaksin's tenure as the state's prime minister. In just a few years in office, Thaksin has accumulated a number of charges of corruption and self-serving use of power. He faces up to 10 years in prison for several criminal cases.
According to a recent statement by Thailand's interim deputy prime minister, Thaksin, upon his return to his home country, has the legal right to apply for a pardon directly to the country's ruler within the first 24 hours of the start of his prison sentence. However, it is not yet known whether or not Thaksin will take advantage of this opportunity.
As an elderly prisoner with established health problems, Thaksin will be able to expect some relaxation of the regime during his incarceration. However, he will not be able to serve his sentence under house arrest and will have to spend his court-ordered time in prison.
Meanwhile, the law enforcement agencies of Thailand have already begun to develop a set of measures to ensure the safety of the former leader of the country after his return home. In particular, immigration officers at the airport of arrival will have to immediately hand over Thaksin to representatives of the court immediately after passport control.
Senior police officials say there is no indication of any possible provocation or attacks on Thaksin during his return to Thailand. However, all necessary precautions will be taken to prevent unforeseen incidents involving the former prime minister.
Police are taking security measures ahead of Thaksin's return
The Thai National Police leadership has tasked its units to do everything possible to prevent any negative incidents involving Thaksin Shinawatra upon his arrival back home.
The police chief said that the operational situation at the moment does not indicate the likelihood of assassination attempts or attacks against the former prime minister. However, law enforcement officials must be prepared for any unexpected development.
After passing through passport control, Thaksin will be handed over to airport immigration officials. The immigration bureau will be responsible for ensuring the security of the former prime minister and his subsequent handover to court officials.
One of the deputy heads of the National Police will be in charge of coordinating all security, transportation and escorting Thaksin.
The police leadership does not yet have exact information about the time and place of the former Prime Minister's arrival in Thailand. However, all police units involved should be prepared to provide enhanced security for Thaksin at any time after he crosses the State border.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
