Pheu Thai denies Thaksin amnesty deal ahead of no-confidence vote

Labour Minister and Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat has denied any agreement linking amnesty for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to parliamentary support for the government in December’s no-confidence vote.

Julapun maintained that Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai already govern together and require no additional political bargain, while Thaksin’s eligibility for amnesty must be determined through the committee process.

Speaking at the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 on November 1, he rejected speculation about an arrangement involving the former prime minister.

“There is no deal. There is no secret deal, and there is no open deal of any kind,” Julapun declared.

He explained that the two parties were fully committed to working together in government and saw no circumstances requiring a further agreement.

“The government has two main parties. I can confirm there is no instability,” he added. “The prime minister and I have not discussed this issue. We have discussed only government work.”

Coalition assurances ahead of December debate

Julapun expressed confidence that Cabinet ministers would be able to address every issue raised during the no-confidence proceedings, scheduled for December 7–11.

Relations among coalition partners remained close, he maintained, and there had been no discussions about changing the government’s composition.

Coalition partners had kept one another informed about their work, he explained. Given established conventions among governing parties, he believed the likely direction of their parliamentary votes was already largely predictable.

Julapun described the government as stable and ready to continue working for the public.

Denial follows reports of pressure over amnesty

His remarks followed reports on October 30 alleging that Thaksin had attempted to pressure government figures and members of the Committee on Promoting a Peaceful Society to accept his amnesty petition.

The reports claimed that the votes of Pheu Thai’s 74 MPs were being used as leverage, with parliamentary support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bhumjaithai ministers — 18 office-holders in total — offered in exchange.

The reports also alleged attempts to pressure Capt Thamanat Prompow, leader of the Kla Tham Party, which has 58 MPs, while the party’s possible participation in the government remained uncertain.

Thamanat was reportedly not interested in the alleged proposal at that stage.

Julapun rejected suggestions that any such deal existed, maintaining that Pheu Thai’s relationship with Bhumjaithai was already established through their governing partnership.

Thaksin’s application awaits committee screening

Thaksin has authorised lawyer Winyat Chatmontree to submit a petition to the Committee on Promoting a Peaceful Society, addressed to its chairman, Pakorn Nilprapunt.

The application seeks a ruling on Thaksin’s entitlement to amnesty and release from legal liability under the Peaceful Society Promotion Act 2026, with the aim of clearing his name in cases he considers politically motivated.

A screening subcommittee chaired by Piyasiri Watthanawarangkun, permanent secretary for justice, must meet to assess the petition before referring it to the full committee.

Julapun described seeking relief under the law as a legal right available to people affected by political events and military coups.

Whether Thaksin qualifies is for the committee to determine, he emphasised, adding that the government has no involvement in that decision.

No discussions on changing coalition partners

Asked about speculation that Kla Tham could join the government, alongside possible changes at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Julapun stressed that decisions about the coalition’s composition rest with the prime minister.

Pheu Thai would not interfere with that authority, he explained.

“Any change to the coalition’s structure is entirely the prime minister’s decision. If there are to be changes, discussions will naturally have to take place,” Julapun stated.

“As coalition partners, we would need to receive a signal from the prime minister. But I want to make it clear that no such discussions have taken place.”

He also maintained that ministers should continually review their performance, while describing work at the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry as proceeding smoothly.

“I do not believe there is anything that would disrupt or undermine ministers who are already doing a good job. I remain confident of that,” he added.

Pheu Thai backs Agriculture Ministry team

Julapun expressed confidence in all three ministers at the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, describing them as committed to their responsibilities.

The agriculture minister had extensive experience overseeing several major ministries, he noted.

Although the two deputy ministers were new to ministerial office, they were determined to deliver tangible results.

Pheu Thai therefore saw no need for changes to the ministerial team, Julapun maintained.

Labour skills and Social Security Board update

Responding to questions about potential year-end layoffs and employee demands for bonuses, Julapun described Thailand’s unemployment rate as very low.

The Labour Ministry was prioritising upskilling and reskilling to develop human capital and improve productivity in line with the changing economy, he explained.

On certification of the new Social Security Board, Julapun reported that the permanent secretary for labour had scheduled a meeting for early November, with greater clarity expected afterwards.

He maintained that the board’s next meeting would be held with its new membership.