NationThailand-Oct 13
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has applied for amnesty under Thailand’s law on promoting a peaceful society, seeking to clear his name over cases his lawyer describes as political, lawyer Winyat Chatmontree said on October 12, 2026.
Winyat said Thaksin had authorised the submission of a petition on October 8 through the joint service centre at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office. The petition was addressed to the chair of the Committee on Promoting a Peaceful Society. According to Winyat, the petition seeks a ruling on Thaksin’s entitlement to amnesty and release from all liability under the law. The request covers all cases relevant to the amnesty application, without separating them into individual cases. Winyat said Thaksin wanted to clear his name, pursue business and live peacefully, adding that the former prime minister was getting older and did not wish to be involved in politics. “Thaksin wants to earn a living and live peacefully. He is getting older and does not wish to become involved in politics or enter political life,” Winyat added.
Chatchai Bangchuad, permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office and secretary of the peace-building committee, said he first needed to check whether Thaksin’s petition had actually been submitted. Chatchai said Thaksin had the right to apply. If the petition had been received, it would be referred to a screening subcommittee chaired by the permanent secretary for justice to determine whether the matter fell within the criteria for consideration. According to Chatchai, a petition found to qualify for consideration would then be forwarded to the main committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt. Read more at:
