Democrats target Surapong
The opposition Democrat Party is seeking to take legal action against Foreign Minister Surapong Towijakchaikul for helping ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to enter Japan.
Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail in 2008 for abusing his authority to help Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, his former wife, to buy prime land in the Ratchadaphisek area at a discount while he was prime minister.
He fled overseas before the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to two years in jail in his absence.Mr Abhisit said the Yingluck government is obliged to comply with the verdict and enforce the law by bringing Thaksin back to face justice.
Government officials who are found to help a fugitive could also face prosecution, Mr Abhisit said.
He said the Democrats' lawyers are looking at legal steps to be taken against Mr Surapong and other government officials who may be involved.
Yukio Edano, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, confirmed that the Thai government requested that Japan issue an entry visa to Thaksin.
Japan decided to issue an entry visa to Thaksin after the Pheu Thai-led government told Tokyo it no longer wished to restrict his overseas travel.
Thaksin said yesterday he would travel to areas hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami during his trip to Japan next week to see what Thailand can do to help its reconstruction efforts, a news report said.
"My intention is to visit the tsunami site to see whether we can render any kind of cooperation or assistance," Thaksin said in an interview with Kyodo News in Dubai.
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