FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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New law applicable in Thaksin cases: Wissanu

New law applicable in Thaksin cases: Wissanu

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, a noted legal expert, confirmed for the first time on Friday that the new law on court procedures against political office holders in corruption cases could be applied in cases pertaining to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra that have been on hold.

When asked by reporters whether those suspended cases would proceed under the new law, Wissanu answered yes.
Wissanu explained that ongoing cases would be proceeded under the new law.
The bill, among 10 organic laws required by the new charter, has become highly controversial as it would enable the court to proceed with cases that had been put on hold even in the absence of the defendants.
Its provisional clause suggests that any ongoing cases would proceed as per the new law. In addition, the statute of limitations would not be applicable if the defendant has fled the country.
The bill also addresses cases where a final court ruling has been made before the defendant left the country, but lawmakers are debating whether penalties put on hold because of the defendant’s absence could be retroactive. 
Political observers have criticised the new bill as targeting particular persons.
Meechai Ruchupan, chief law drafter of the bill, said the bill is not retroactive in nature as it involves judicial procedures, not penalties.
He said it would be beneficial to the defendants as they can appeal against the rulings, he added.
It is the third law passed by the NLA last month, and now is in the process of a legal review. If any concerned agencies raise objections to it, a tripartite review committee will be set up to review the law and rule.

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