Bangkok: “Toto” has expressed strong discontent with the Ministry of Justice’s recent claims, standing firm on the authority of the Security Committee to investigate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr. Piyarat Chongthep, the spokesman for the House Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform, has issued a statement in response to the Ministry of Justice’s accusation that the committee lacks the jurisdiction to probe into Thaksin’s stay on the 14th floor, indicating plans to escalate the issue to Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, the President of the House of Representatives, for a conclusive decision.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Piyarat refuted the advisor to the Minister of Justice’s assertion that the committee was overstepping its bounds by inviting Ministry of Justice agencies to address Thaksin’s treatment on the 14th floor. Despite these objections, the Department of Corrections had already been summoned and had offered partial explanations to the committe
e on November 7. The Director of the Legal Division of the Department of Corrections proposed a resolution for a written explanation from the department, warning of legal consequences under the Summoning Orders Act for non-compliance. Mr. Piyarat emphasized the committee’s intention to explore issues and reforms within the justice process.

In a firm rebuttal, Mr. Piyarat presented the invitation letter to the Ministry of Justice, asserting the committee’s mandate to study national reform, which includes police reform as part of the justice process. He questioned why the Department of Corrections could not be subject to similar reform efforts, underscoring the necessity of gathering facts and understanding problems to facilitate meaningful reform.

Mr. Piyarat challenged the Justice Ministry’s assertion of constitutional violations, questioning their authority to judge the committee’s actions when conducted in line with constitutional and parliamentary regulations. He clarified that the committee’s bipartisan
composition necessitates consensus for agency invitations, emphasizing that their role transcends political lines.

Upon being questioned about the Ministry of Justice’s intentions, Mr. Piyarat suggested ministerial involvement and proposed that the minister personally clarify the matter. He reaffirmed to Mr. Thawee that the investigation would not be politicized, but rather focused on factual clarification to aid in reforming the justice process, which includes the police, court, and prison systems.