Justice Ministry denies parole rule tailored for Yingluck Shinawatra
The Ministry of Justice firmly dismissed claims that a regulation permitting prisoners to be released on parole and confined to house arrest was crafted to benefit any specific individual, including former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
This denial emerged during an interview yesterday, December 6, with Somboon Muangklam, an adviser to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, alongside officials from the Department of Corrections (DoC).
Somboon clarified that the regulation was not tailored to favour any individual. The rule, introduced in 2023, was designed to tackle the issue of overcrowded prisons. The regulation’s initial guidelines are still under development, with the primary goal being to relieve the pressure on prison facilities.
He was questioned about the potential eligibility of Yingluck, who has been a fugitive since August 2017, under this new regulation. Somboon explained that it was too early to provide a definitive answer, as the guidelines remain in preliminary stages and have not been formally finalised.
“Commenting on specific cases at this stage would be premature.”
Somboon stressed the importance of waiting for the official guidelines to be established.
Speculation had been rife regarding whether the regulation might be finalised by early next year, conveniently aligning with previous comments made by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra about his sister’s possible return around the Songkran Festival. Somboon acknowledged the timing but noted that such speculation remains unconfirmed.
“The process of finalising the regulations is nearly finished.”
Somboon refrained from predicting Yingluck’s return date.
Somboon also addressed public concerns that Yingluck might evade imprisonment, similar to her brother Thaksin. He clarified that Thaksin had indeed been detained while receiving medical treatment at the Police General Hospital, which is officially recognised as a form of detention.
He emphasised accountability, noting that all officials involved must answer for their actions. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is actively investigating the Thaksin case to identify any irregularities.
Meanwhile, Kanokwan Jiewcheauphan, a spokesperson for the DoC, highlighted that public opinions on the regulation are being collected until December 17. She noted that if 90% of the public disagrees with the regulation, revisions will be imperative.
The Ministry of Justice maintains that the new regulation is part of a broader strategy to manage prison populations, with no specific intent to benefit any individual. As the guidelines are still being developed, the ministry urges patience until they can provide a comprehensive update, reported Bangkok Post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is Thailand focusing on reducing prison overcrowding now?
Addressing prison overcrowding helps improve living conditions and reduce recidivism, aligning with global trends for more humane incarceration.
How could public opinion alter the new parole regulation in Thailand?
If 90% of public feedback opposes the regulation, the Justice Ministry may need to revise it, revisions could be made.
What if the new regulation leads to unintended political implications?
Unforeseen political consequences might demand further legal scrutiny and adjustments to ensure impartiality and integrity in the justice system.
How might the new parole regulation impact Thailand’s judicial credibility?
Implementing unbiased reforms could enhance judicial credibility, while perceived favouritism might erode public trust in the legal system.
What strategies are in place to ensure accountability in Thailand’s justice reforms?
Active investigations by the NACC aim to uphold integrity and accountability throughout the reform process.
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