Thaksin asked to prioritize national benefits for peace

BANGKOK, 21 March 2010 (NNT) – The domestic political tension will be relieved if former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra thinks of benefits for the country instead of his personal gain, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking in his weekly TV program, “Confidence in Thailand with Prime Minister Abhisit”, the Prime Minister said the ex-prime minister should consider what is best for the country and respect the laws and regulations of the society like other Thai people.

Prime Minister Abhisit said the former prime minister should accept the court judgments and return to Thailand. If Mr Thaksin could comply with social rules, Mr Abhisit said he was confident Mr Thaksin would then be pardoned by the society and the kingdom could move on.

The Prime Minister added that he was always ready to talk with Mr Thaksin since they had no personal conflict.

Mr Thaksin was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty on the Ratchadapisek land case.

In addition, on 26 January 2010, the Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions of the Supreme Court ruled to confiscate 46.3 billion THB out of 76 billion THB frozen assets of Mr Thaksin on grounds that he abused his power when in office to benefit his business.