No special favours for Thaksin, no-one is above the law
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Some seek to justify the night-and-day differences between how PM Yingluck treats convicted Thaksin and defrocked monk Wirapol, aka Luang Pu Nenkham (eg, returning one passport but cancelling the other). They say that Thaksin was elected to office, endors
But I suggest that we have our justice system precisely because no two cases are the same, and it is up to the courts – not government or public opinion of the day – to decide each case on its merits. For example, the police must bring all killers to court, but the sentences will differ depending on circumstances. In Thaksin’s case, the courts have spoken, and surely they knew when trying him that he had been elected to office, etc.
If the government or we the people collectively feel that our judicial system is biased or that Thaksin’s trial was rigged, then we should fix the system – and not right one wrong by committing another.
Those wishing to justify favourable treatment for Thaksin say, “Imagine what would happen if the court acquitted him? Big mess. Can’t be done.” But a judge must follow His Majesty’s wise words, “If the country does not follow the rule of law, it will not survive” – and rule of law calls for all men to be equal before the law. Being elected, or royally endorsed, or toppled by a coup, does not entitle one to commit a crime. Verdicts should render justice, not seek to please the crowd.
Don’t usurp the role of the courts, PM Yingluck.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok
