The Pheu Thai Party has made a strong statement regarding the situation surrounding party-list MP Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri. Despite facing potential expulsion due to missing his court date in the Tak Bai case, the party has emphasized that Gen Pisal will remain an MP until the statute of limitations expires. This decision has sparked criticism, with many questioning the party’s commitment to justice.
Gen Pisal, who was granted leave for medical treatment abroad, served as the commander of the Fourth Army Region during the Tak Bai massacre in 2004. This tragic event resulted in the loss of over 80 lives and has left a scar on the Deep South region of Thailand. With the statute of limitations set to expire on Oct 25, the pressure is mounting for Gen Pisal to return and face trial.
The Narathiwat Provincial Court has issued an arrest warrant for Gen Pisal, and the Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party has urged the government to take decisive action in the case. The TST Party has expressed concerns about the lack of progress in bringing the perpetrators to justice and has warned that failure to address the issue could lead to further unrest in the region.
As Thailand prepares to assume a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, the government is facing increased scrutiny over its handling of the Tak Bai case. Calls for an official apology and a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families have grown louder. The government’s response to these demands will be crucial in shaping its reputation on the international stage.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Gen Pisal and the Pheu Thai Party as the deadline for the statute of limitations approaches. The decision to expel Gen Pisal, if he fails to return and face trial, will have far-reaching implications for both the party and the country as a whole. The pursuit of justice in the Tak Bai case is not just a legal matter but a moral imperative that will test Thailand’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability for past wrongs.