Returning Thaksin's passport 'would be illegal'

The Democrats’ revocation of Thaksin’s passport was legitimate, but the Pheu Thai-led government’s effort to return it to him was illegitimate, Chavanond said.

Former foreign minister Kasit Piromya terminated Thaksin’s passport in accordance with the ministry’s regulations governing the issuance of passports, as the ex-premier had harmed the country, Chavanond said.

Thaksin was involved in the protest against the previous government, the spokesman said, and had an arrest warrant against him. The Foreign Ministry cannot issue a passport to a person for whom such a warrant has been issued and who is on the run, said Chavanond, who formerly held the position of secretary to the foreign minister.

Article 21 of the 2005 Foreign Ministry regulations clearly states that officials can reject a passport application from any fugitive from a criminal charge, he said.

Many other articles of the regulation prohibit officials from issuing a passport to a person like Thaksin, he said.

“Like many other fugitives from criminal charges, such as former Kamnan Somchai Kunplume and former minister Wattana Asavahame, Thaksin cannot hold a Thai passport,” Chavanond said. “Should the minister ask Somchai and Wattana whether they held Thai passports while fleeing justice?”

Surapong will be making a serious political mistake if he issues a passport to Thaksin, Chavanond said, adding that the Democrats would continue to seek Surapong’s impeachment over the case, even if he were to lose his position. 

Surapong said last week that he wanted to return Thaksin’s passport to him as a New Year’s gift.