The unfolding drama surrounding Pheu Thai Party list MP Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri has taken quite the intriguing twist, as Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan finds himself in the hot seat. Pichet recently granted a medical leave request for Gen Pisal from August 26 to October 30. This timing conveniently overlaps with a looming court date connected to the infamous Tak Bai massacre case, potentially allowing Gen Pisal to sidestep legal proceedings.
In the dimly lit corridors of political maneuvering, this leave of absence almost appears designed to flirt with the expiry of the statute of limitations on October 25. The former commander of the Fourth Army Region is due any day now in court over his role in the 2004 massacre case. As the clock ticks inexorably, one can’t help but wonder about his timely return.
According to Pichet, the deputy house maestro, any member of parliament can request leave during House sessions for sundry reasons like illness or personal hiccups. This isn’t exactly uncommon; some have been known to take the extreme liberty of being absent for up to 80 days on the trot! However, Pichet has so far dodged the spotlight of media attention growing on whether this leave serves as a convenient escape hatch from justice for Gen Pisal.
Gen Pisal stands as a defendant in the Tak Bai case, a contentious incident shot through with tragedy and turmoil. It was a day marred by the violent suppression of protests in Narathiwat province, which left families of 48 victims seeking accountability. The Narathiwat Provincial Court officially acknowledged these grievances on August 23, a mere three days before Gen Pisal’s request to stretch his legs across borders for some international medical care was approved by Pichet.
Politicians both seasoned and green have called out to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the power corridors of the Pheu Thai Party, urging decisive action to see Gen Pisal face his music before justice’s clock runs dry. Piya Tawichai, the Palang Pracharath Party’s spokesman, is adamant that the prime minister must expedite the judicial grind to reel Gen Pisal into court.
Meanwhile, former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn did not mince his words as he took to Facebook, questioning Gen Pisal’s whereabouts. He also pointed a not-so-subtle finger at the House and the Pheu Thai Party for showing a concerning lack of urgency in compelling Gen Pisal to answer to his indictment.
Intriguingly, Somchai alleges that Pichet rubber-stamped Gen Pisal’s leave without batting an eye or bothering to request medical justification. Adding fuel to the fire, Fair Party list MP Kannavee Suebsang colors the timing of Gen Pisal’s leave as curiously serendipitous, particularly given that the leave request came just days after the case was green-lighted.
The scrutiny grows thicker as days peel away, and one is left pondering if Gen Pisal’s overseas retreat signals meticulous planning or mere coincidence. As these political theatrics unfold, all eyes remain on the Pheu Thai Party, waiting and watching to see if they will draw the curtains on this saga with justice at center stage before the statute of limitations dims the lights.
It’s clear as day to me that Gen Pisal is using this medical leave to dodge court proceedings. How convenient that the leave coincides perfectly with the statute of limitations!
I think you’re jumping to conclusions. Sometimes things like this do happen by coincidence.
While coincidences do happen, this one is a bit too suspicious, don’t you think?
In legal terms, the burden of proof lies in showing whether it’s a deliberate evasion, which is tough unless they have solid evidence.
This just shows how corrupt politics can be. They’re all protecting their own in the name of justice. Disgusting!
It’s not just Thailand. Politicians everywhere seem to pull this kind of stunt without repercussions.
Exactly my point! It’s a worldwide problem. Something needs to change.
I’m wondering if this is really about politics or if Gen Pisal actually needs the medical leave. It’s impossible to know the truth from where we sit.
Understandable. But why not provide any medical documents as proof? That’s what irks me.
Forgetting political alliances for a moment, the Tak Bai incident is a major blemish in history. No one connected to this should escape accountability.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s about justice for the victims.
The Pheu Thai Party should step up and demand accountability rather than letting this slide. It’s their reputation on the line too.
Can’t believe they granted leave with no medical justification required. Seems fishy.
Apparently, that’s not uncommon in their parliament, but it should be changed.
Maybe they should start requiring documentation. Would save a lot of suspicions.
If the Prime Minister ignores this, it sends a message that political figures can escape justice. Terrible precedent.
Unfortunately, that might already be the norm, not the exception.
This is a strategic retreat, not a medical one. He’s probably betting on the delay tactics working in his favor.
Isn’t it the duty of MPs to stay accountable to the people? Why aren’t they taking this seriously?
If Gen Pisal doesn’t face trial before October 25, this could set a disastrous precedent for future cases.
What an embarrassment for the party. If they don’t act now, they might lose public support.
Somchai’s accusations are heavy. Wonder if they’ll prompt any official inquiry into how the leave was approved.
Looks like Pheu Thai is in damage control mode. How will they manage to salvage this debacle?
Could this case affect Thailand’s international reputation? Could be a huge deal if mishandled.
I think the public deserves more transparency in such cases. How can trust be rebuilt otherwise?
Transparency is key. Too many backdoor deals happen in secrecy.
Agree. Transparency would eliminate most of the doubt surrounding these cases.
Why does it seem like certain people are above the law in this case? Sad reality.
The timing of the leave is more than just bad optics. It’s a potential legal loophole.
Exactly, it’s a classic stall tactic to avoid accountability.