Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluckโs planned return

Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to โface 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 Wechayachaiโs advisory team, shared these insights following Thaksin Shinawatraโs media interview discussing his sister Yingluckโs anticipated return before Songkran 2025.
Yesterday, November 23, Worachai highlighted concerns about the fairness of Yingluckโs legal proceedings.
โThe cases against her emerged in the aftermath of the 2014 coup, during which Article 44 granted unlimited powers to those behind the coup,
โThis same article was used to create a committee that seized Yingluckโs assets without any retroactive oversight and notably, before her criminal case had even concluded. This raises serious questions about judicial interference.
โThe Thai public should carefully consider whether Yingluck received fair treatmentโฆ I believe those who value justice in Thailand would agree with my assessment.โ
Addressing Thaksinโs announcement about his sisterโs return, Worachai emphasised that as a Thai citizen, Yingluck has an inherent right to come home. He pointed to Thailandโs current need for unity and reconciliation as context for her return, describing it as a natural development.
Worachai cautioned opposition groups against using Yingluckโs return as political ammunition against either the government or the Pheu Thai Party.
โWe must avoid intensifying conflicts that could destabilise our nationโฆ Letโs 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 governmentโs rice subsidy program. She failed to appear for the courtโs 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 Shinawatraโs potential return to Thailand sparked a national debate after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, hinted at a possible homecoming around next yearโs Songkran festival.