No amnesty for Thaksin
Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called on exiled and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra to return home and face the charges of corruption, tax evasion and other charges but ruled out granting amnesty. He stressed that Thaksin would face justice in a proper manner but should be ready to face full responsibility of his actions.
The premier further added that amnesty being granted to the members of the opposition as part of the reconciliation process to restore peace in the country could be considered but Thaksin would not be among them.
Speaking at a press conference in Hong Kong, Abhisit said that he wanted to see a stimulus package rolled out, Thailand’s ASEAN chair fulfilled at the end of the year and a “cooling off period” in Thai society.
Demonstrations and protests have crippled the country’s tourism industry though Thailand is in better economic position to face economic slump than it was during Asian financial crisis a decade ago.
Though the government took a tough stand against the protestors, majority of the population are losing patience with the government over job losses and weakening of Baht. The government has warned that economy may by shrink by 5% during the year.