Thailand's ambassador to London sent a letter yesterday to The Times newspaper pointing out its article based on an interview with fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra contained misinformation and misunderstandings about the role of the monarchy as well as Thaksin's status
The letter from ambassador Kitti Wasinondh was published on the paper's website along with Thaksin's letter signed from Phnom Penh. Thaksin said he was loyal to the royal family and had been discredited by political enemies.
The letter from Kitti to James Harding, the newspaper's editor said, "according to the Thai Constitution, the King is above politics and does not take sides. Over the years, His Majesty has kept to his constitutional role, even while some groups have claimed royal support for their political ends".
Kitti said Thaksin had not formally submitted a petition for a royal pardon according to procedure. Therefore, the legal process of seeking a royal pardon for him could not begin.
Kitti also clarified Thaksin's current status: "Dr Shinawatra is neither Thailand's current opposition leader nor a leader in exile, but a person who is choosing to stay abroad to avoid a two-year jail term resulting from a finalised corruption case," his letter said.
On Tuesday, The Times published another article on the Thai government's ban on the Web page carrying the Thaksin interview.
It also defended its transcript: "Mr Thaksin issued a statement saying The Times' report was 'distorted' and 'untrue'. The text of the interview, posted on Times Online, matches the recording of the conversation and was transcribed by a press representative of Mr Thaksin," The Times said.
Residents in Thailand can still access the newspaper's articles as well as the interview's full transcript.
The letter from ambassador Kitti Wasinondh was published on the paper's website along with Thaksin's letter signed from Phnom Penh. Thaksin said he was loyal to the royal family and had been discredited by political enemies.
The letter from Kitti to James Harding, the newspaper's editor said, "according to the Thai Constitution, the King is above politics and does not take sides. Over the years, His Majesty has kept to his constitutional role, even while some groups have claimed royal support for their political ends".
Kitti said Thaksin had not formally submitted a petition for a royal pardon according to procedure. Therefore, the legal process of seeking a royal pardon for him could not begin.
Kitti also clarified Thaksin's current status: "Dr Shinawatra is neither Thailand's current opposition leader nor a leader in exile, but a person who is choosing to stay abroad to avoid a two-year jail term resulting from a finalised corruption case," his letter said.
On Tuesday, The Times published another article on the Thai government's ban on the Web page carrying the Thaksin interview.
It also defended its transcript: "Mr Thaksin issued a statement saying The Times' report was 'distorted' and 'untrue'. The text of the interview, posted on Times Online, matches the recording of the conversation and was transcribed by a press representative of Mr Thaksin," The Times said.
Residents in Thailand can still access the newspaper's articles as well as the interview's full transcript.
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