Thai fugitives to be brought back to face justice: Prawit

The government is working with officials in foreign countries for the extradition of Thais accused of lese majeste and other offences, who live overseas after escaping the law at home, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said yesterday.
Among the fugitives named
was former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
“We have to find all of them. The government will resort to all necessary measures to get them back for legal prosecution in Thailand. We will work with the countries involved so that these [accused] people are extradited,” Prawit said.
However, he admitted to some difficulties, as lese majeste is not considered a crime in some foreign countries where the Thai fugitives live. And he did not know the exact number of offenders, saying only that “there are many”.
Prawit said the focus would be on violators of Article 112 of the Penal Code involving lese majeste.
However, the authorities would also seek extradition of fugitive politicians wanted at home for corruption or abuse of power. These include former prime minister Thaksin, he said.
“The authorities involved are already doing their job to the best of their ability. Everything must be in line with the law,” he said.
Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr, who is also deputy defence minister, said yesterday the security authorities were closely monitoring the activities of Thammasat University lecturer Somsak Chiamthirasakul, who fled the country after the coup in May and has since lived overseas.
He said legal action would be taken against Somsak if he was found to have violated Article 112.

‘Law not used for political reasons’

Udomdej denied the government was using the lese majeste law to persecute its political enemies.
He said the law had been enforced only when necessary for the sake of national security and protection of the beloved monarchy institution.
“Please be assured that this government is righteous and runs the country fairly,” he said.
According to the Army chief, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has been worried about the increase in lese majeste cases.
Prawit said yesterday that rumours had been spread by people with ill intentions in an attempt to discredit the government.
“Their intention certainly is to cause damage to the government,” he added.
He blamed those rumour-mongers for the sharp decline in local stock prices over the past week. However, he declined to discuss in detail as to whether the authorities already had identified suspects spreading the rumours.
“I can’t tell you now. This is a security matter,” he said.
He urged members of the public to be sceptical about damaging rumours.