Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluckโ€™s planned return

Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to โ€œface her legal obligationsโ€ in Thailand without requesting special treatment, according to Worachai Hema, an ex-member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party from Samut Prakan.

Worachai, who serves on Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachaiโ€™s advisory team, shared these insights following Thaksin Shinawatraโ€™s media interview discussing his sister Yingluckโ€™s anticipated return before Songkran 2025.

Yesterday, November 23, Worachai highlighted concerns about the fairness of Yingluckโ€™s legal proceedings.

โ€œThe cases against her emerged in the aftermath of the 2014 coup, during which Article 44 granted unlimited powers to those behind the coup,

โ€œThis same article was used to create a committee that seized Yingluckโ€™s assets without any retroactive oversight and notably, before her criminal case had even concluded. This raises serious questions about judicial interference.

โ€œThe Thai public should carefully consider whether Yingluck received fair treatmentโ€ฆ I believe those who value justice in Thailand would agree with my assessment.โ€

Addressing Thaksinโ€™s announcement about his sisterโ€™s return, Worachai emphasised that as a Thai citizen, Yingluck has an inherent right to come home. He pointed to Thailandโ€™s current need for unity and reconciliation as context for her return, describing it as a natural development.

Worachai cautioned opposition groups against using Yingluckโ€™s return as political ammunition against either the government or the Pheu Thai Party.

โ€œWe must avoid intensifying conflicts that could destabilise our nationโ€ฆ Letโ€™s focus on moving forward so the government can address justice reform and economic challenges facing our people.โ€

The legal situation dates back to 2016 when Yingluck faced charges of dereliction of duty regarding her governmentโ€™s rice subsidy program. She failed to appear for the courtโ€™s verdict in August 2017, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant. Reports indicate she subsequently left Thailand, reported The Nation.

In related news, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatraโ€™s potential return to Thailand sparked a national debate after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, hinted at a possible homecoming around next yearโ€™s Songkran festival.

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Ryan Turner

Ryan is a journalism student from Mahidol University with a passion for writing all kinds of content from news to lifestyle articles. Outside of work, Ryan loves everything to do with history, reading, and sports.

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