Former FM sentenced 2 years in jail for Thaksin’s passports

BANGKOK, June 19 (TNA) - The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders hands down two-year jail terms for former foreign minister, Surapong Tovichakchaikul for malfeasance over former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s passports. The Office of Attorney-General indicts Mr Surapong for malfeasance under the Penal Code in reissuing passports for self-exiled and convicted Mr Thaksin, The Supreme Court today delivered the verdict, saying Mr Surapong intended to assist convicted Mr Thaksin in fleeing as the latter was wanted by authorities and was eligible for new passports. Mr Surapong’s explanation cannot be used to back his decision to revoke the Democrat-led government’s order for revocation of Mr Thaksin’s passports in 2009, the court said. Mr Surapong told the court that Mr Thaksin’s presence overseas did not cause any damage to the country. Mr Surapong was the foreign minister under the Pheu Thai-led government under the administration of Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, Mr Thaksin’s younger sister. Mr Thaksin left the country in 2008 before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced him in absentia to two years in jail for abuse of power. (TNA)