Thai-Japanese relations could be in jeopardy over Thaksin’s visa: Democrats

BANGKOK, 20 August 2011 (NNT) – Democrat Spokesperson Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said Thailand’s relationship with Japan could be jeopardized if the government refused to reveal how the visa entry for Mr Thaksin Shinawatra had been acquired.

The Spokesperson also disclosed a plan to impeach Mr Surapong Tovichakchaikul, the Foreign Minister, from his post due to malfeasance.

He added that bilateral relations between Thailand and Japan could be shaken if the government did not clarify the issue after the Japanese government said it was the Thai government which had asked for a favor in the case. The Democrat Spokesperson urged Mr Surapong to show his responsibility for his intervention.

Meanwhile, head of the Democrat legal team Wirat Kalayasiri said he had started compiling a list of signatures to impeach Mr Surapong, for performing duties in contradiction to the constitution. He said some Bhum Jai Thai MPs had shown intention to join the impeachment. He expected to submit the petition for impeachment to the Senate Speaker once the number of signatures met the requirement.

Reporter: Nuppol Suvansombut – NNT