Amnesty does not apply in this case
I cannot understand why there is so much discussion about amnesty related to the ruling party. It is not as if they have an ideology, unless it is "get rich quick".
Amnesty is for political prisoners jailed for expressing their political opinion contrary to the government’s view, or for carrying out political acts in breach of the law. It is often given when a more enlightened view of democracy and freedom is in the offing. (What hope of that?) It is not for malfeasance whilst in political office, as a servant of the people. It is not for worshippers at the Temple of Mammon who overstep the mark. It should not be open for a government to say, “I forgive myself.” That is not a very good precedent and is surely illegal. Imagine the reaction if Abhisit had done such a thing before leaving office!
When Thaksin Shinawatra set the ball rolling with the satellite company sale and compounded the crime by bringing people on to the streets to get his money back (or to “return their democracy” as it was known), it should have been inevitable that he would reap the wind.
If he wants to live freely let him acknowledge what he has done, repent and retire to a monastery.
RICHARD BOWLER
Bangkok
