Bangkok: The Ministry of Justice, during the tenure of Justice Minister Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, has dismissed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s request for a royal pardon concerning the 14th-degree case. This decision comes as the new Cabinet is poised to assume office.

According to Thai News Agency, the process began when the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Thaksin to one year in prison on September 9, 2015. The following day, Thaksin submitted a request for a royal pardon to the Ministry of Justice. On September 23, the Ministry, led by Thawee, decided to reject the request and forward the case to the Cabinet Secretariat for further review.

This development occurs amid a transitional phase for the new Cabinet, which was appointed by Royal Command on September 19, 2015. The Cabinet members took their oaths on September 24 and are expected to present their policy statement to Parliament on September 29-30, marking the official start of their duties.