Thaksin willing to return decorations

If Thaksin fails to appeal the Supreme Court's guilty verdict and two-year jail sentence against him in the Ratchadaphisek land case, the Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao would need to be recalled.

A PM's Office decree endorsed by then-PM Thaksin in August 2005 gives eight criteria for the recalling of royal decorations, including if a person is convicted by the highest court and ordered to serve time in prison.

Although the Supreme Court is the final court of appeal, he can appeal its judgement against him if solid new evidence can be presented that could change the essence of the case, according to directives on appeals for cases under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

If Thaksin does not seek a retrial within 30 days, the PM's Office must seek royal approval to demand the royal decorations be returned.

Natthawut said if Thaksin committed an offence that fell into any of the eight categories, he would have to comply with the law. However, he said Thaksin did not commit any corruption.

"Whoever raises the issue only wants to aggravate the situation for the former PM," he said.

Democrat Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai suggested the government deal with the matter straightforwardly and in accordance with regulations.

Thaksin has received nine royal decorations, starting with the Member (Fifth Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand in 1974. The highest was the Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, bestowed in 2003.

The eight criteria for royal decorations to be recalled include the death penalty; a prison sentence, except for petty offences or crimes of negligence; and confiscation of assets for being unusually rich or convicted of anti-money laundering offences. Termination or dismissal for serious disciplinary or other charges, removal from post on malfeasance charges or constitutional offences or for being unusually rich, declared bankruptcy and abuse of the royal decorations are the other grounds for recovery of the royal rewards.