PM Insists Boonsong’s Sentence Suspension Unrelated to Yingluck’s Return.

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra has clarified that the suspension of the sentence for Mr. Boonsong Teriyapirom, former Minister of Commerce, is not connected to any plans for Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, to return to Thailand. The Prime Minister emphasized that the situations involving the two individuals are distinct and unrelated, adding that Ms. Yingluck has not engaged in any coordination with the government regarding her return. According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Paethongtarn addressed the media regarding the recent decision to suspend Mr. Boonsong's sentence, which some speculate could be a precursor to facilitating Ms. Yingluck's return to the country. She stated, "Mr. Boonsong is a prisoner, Ms. Yingluck is not, so it is unlikely to be related." The Prime Minister further explained that Mr. Boonsong's release was in accordance with the criteria set by the Corrections Department, as confirmed by Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice. She reiter ated that the criteria were applied to many others, and the Ministry of Justice was fully aware of the process. When questioned about any potential plans or communications from Ms. Yingluck regarding her return, Prime Minister Paethongtarn responded, "No, it's the same as before. Just talking on the phone." This statement underscores the government's stance that there has been no official coordination with Ms. Yingluck concerning her return to Thailand.