THAILAND: Special TV programme on royal pardon

Government decides to air special program to discuss legal issues in petitioning and gaining royal pardon for former Prime Minister Thaksin to avoid possible unrest

Bangkok Post
Thursday, July 30, 2009

The government will on Friday night host a special television programme on NBT to improve public understanding of the issue of a royal pardon for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, PM’s Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said on Thursday afternoon.

"The special programe will start at 9pm tomorrow, and other TV and radio stations will be asked to also broadcast it," Mr Satit said.

He admitted that the government was worried that the red-shirts' drive for a royal pardon for Thaksin would lead to a repeat of the unrest in April.

The minister said the Friday night broadcast would also discuss the legal issues involved in the petition and getting a pardon.

People who had already signed in support of the petition could always withdraw their names once they have a better understanding, he said.

Mr Satit did not agree that the special programme and the government's explanation was too late.

The minister of justice had earlier explained the royal pardon process to the general public, he said.

Date Posted: 7/30/2009