ID :
200752
Thu, 08/11/2011 - 19:29
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/200752
The shortlink copeid
New Thai foreign minister seeks Japanese entry permit for Thaksin
BANGKOK, Aug. 11 Kyodo - Thailand's new foreign minister has asked Japanese authorities to facilitate a visit to Japan later this month by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by issuing him a special entry permit, even though he is ostensibly a convicted criminal and a fugitive from justice, according to sources.
Surapong Tovichakchaikul made the request in the talks Thursday with Japanese Ambassador Seiji Kojima, the sources said.
Multiple sources said the Japanese government is apparently considering whether to have its Justice Ministry issue Thaksin a special entry permit.
Thaksin, who was deposed in a military coup in 2006, has been living abroad for years to avoid a two-year jail term from a corruption conviction.
Under Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, a foreigner who has been convicted of breaking a law and sentenced to imprisonment of one year or more shall be denied permission to land in Japan.
But the law makes an exception for those convicted of a political offense, for example, and it says the justice minister make an exemption in certain other cases if he or she finds reasonable grounds to do so.
The talks between Surapong, a close Thaksin aide, and the Japanese ambassador came a day after Thaksin's youngest sister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand's new prime minister, was officially sworn into office along with her Cabinet ministers.
The 44-year-old former businesswoman was swept to power after her pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party defeated the Democrat Party in last month's general election.
Thaksin wants to visit Japan from Aug. 22 to 28, during which time he intends to visit areas in Miyagi prefecture of northern Japan which were devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, according to his Japanese supporters.
They said the former Thai premier also hopes to hold a press conference and speak at a lecture meeting.
Earlier this month, a senior Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Hajime Ishii told reporters he had asked Prime Minister Naoto Kan to allow Thaksin's entry into Japan.
''It is said that his entry is difficult. But Thailand is an important country and I told the premier to make a political decision,'' Ishii said on Aug. 3.
Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said Thursday he was unaware about the meeting between the new foreign minister and the Japanese ambassador, while other Thai officials said they had no idea about their discussions.
Also Thursday, Surapong told reporters he would find out possible procedures to get Thaksin's Thai passport reinstated, a move that could spark criticism of the new administration.
Thaksin, who served as Thai prime minister between 2001 and 2006, now lives in exile in Dubai.
Surapong Tovichakchaikul made the request in the talks Thursday with Japanese Ambassador Seiji Kojima, the sources said.
Multiple sources said the Japanese government is apparently considering whether to have its Justice Ministry issue Thaksin a special entry permit.
Thaksin, who was deposed in a military coup in 2006, has been living abroad for years to avoid a two-year jail term from a corruption conviction.
Under Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, a foreigner who has been convicted of breaking a law and sentenced to imprisonment of one year or more shall be denied permission to land in Japan.
But the law makes an exception for those convicted of a political offense, for example, and it says the justice minister make an exemption in certain other cases if he or she finds reasonable grounds to do so.
The talks between Surapong, a close Thaksin aide, and the Japanese ambassador came a day after Thaksin's youngest sister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand's new prime minister, was officially sworn into office along with her Cabinet ministers.
The 44-year-old former businesswoman was swept to power after her pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party defeated the Democrat Party in last month's general election.
Thaksin wants to visit Japan from Aug. 22 to 28, during which time he intends to visit areas in Miyagi prefecture of northern Japan which were devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, according to his Japanese supporters.
They said the former Thai premier also hopes to hold a press conference and speak at a lecture meeting.
Earlier this month, a senior Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Hajime Ishii told reporters he had asked Prime Minister Naoto Kan to allow Thaksin's entry into Japan.
''It is said that his entry is difficult. But Thailand is an important country and I told the premier to make a political decision,'' Ishii said on Aug. 3.
Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said Thursday he was unaware about the meeting between the new foreign minister and the Japanese ambassador, while other Thai officials said they had no idea about their discussions.
Also Thursday, Surapong told reporters he would find out possible procedures to get Thaksin's Thai passport reinstated, a move that could spark criticism of the new administration.
Thaksin, who served as Thai prime minister between 2001 and 2006, now lives in exile in Dubai.
