ID :
201934
Wed, 08/17/2011 - 14:53
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/201934
The shortlink copeid
Opposition lawmakers investigate Thaksin’s visa for Japan
BANGKOK, August 17 (TNA) - Thailand's opposition Democrat Party said it had launched an enquiry to examine whether any Thai government official influenced Japan’s decision to grant an entry visa for convicted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, claiming that such an act was illegitimate as Thaksin was a fugitive.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, former prime minister and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party would verify a recent report suggesting that the new Thai government sought the temporary visa for Thaksin.
Abhisit said the opposition was examining evidence through many channels to find out who acted on behalf of the Thai government on the visa request, as claimed by the Japanese government. He said he expected a clear answer in a few days.
Separately, opposition chief whip Jurin Laksanavisit said the opposition would form a working group to find out if Foreign Minister Surapong Towijakchaikul had asked Japan to grant the visa to Thaksin. Jurin said if the Thai government was found guilty, it could be prosecuted for violating Section 157 of the criminal law.
With the entry visa, Thaksin would be temporarily allowed to enter Japan, where he would deliver an economic lecture at an educational institute on August 22, besides visiting areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. (TNA)
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, former prime minister and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party would verify a recent report suggesting that the new Thai government sought the temporary visa for Thaksin.
Abhisit said the opposition was examining evidence through many channels to find out who acted on behalf of the Thai government on the visa request, as claimed by the Japanese government. He said he expected a clear answer in a few days.
Separately, opposition chief whip Jurin Laksanavisit said the opposition would form a working group to find out if Foreign Minister Surapong Towijakchaikul had asked Japan to grant the visa to Thaksin. Jurin said if the Thai government was found guilty, it could be prosecuted for violating Section 157 of the criminal law.
With the entry visa, Thaksin would be temporarily allowed to enter Japan, where he would deliver an economic lecture at an educational institute on August 22, besides visiting areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. (TNA)
