Phongthep given another 30 days to explain Thaksin passport issue
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The ombudsman has given the government another 30 days to explain why a passport was issued for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Rakkecha Chaechay, deputy secretary-general and spokesman of the Ombudsman’s Office, confirmed that Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana, who is also deputy PM, would be given another 30 days to provide an explanation.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra gave Phongthep the job of defending the Foreign Ministry over the issue.
The ombudsman had written to the Foreign Minister, asking it to review its decision to reissue a passport for Thaksin, who is a fugitive from law. Since the ministry refused to review its decision, the ombudsman had no choice but to demand an explanation.
The Nation
