BANGKOK: Academics and legal experts have proposed guidelines for extending the statute of limitations in the Tak Bai case, urging the government to issue an emergency decree within five days to amend relevant laws. The case, set to expire on October 25, 2024, involves a criminal murder charge that has yet to be prosecuted within the 20-year limit set by the Criminal Code.**
According to Thai News Agency, the Foundation for Cultural Integration, in collaboration with the Law Center at Thammasat University, is hosting an academic seminar addressing the Tak Bai case, exploring the responsibilities and possibilities for prosecution. Mr. Pokpong Srisanit, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University, stated that the prosecutor has already filed a lawsuit and identified a suspect. However, if the suspect is not brought to court in time, the case risks expiration.
Mr. Pokpong emphasized that Thai law currently allows offenders to evade charges by fleeing abroad before the statute of limitations expires. In
contrast, some countries, like France and Japan, have mechanisms to suspend the statute of limitations in such scenarios. He proposed adapting these international guidelines to address the issue in Thailand.
Mr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a lecturer at Thammasat University, highlighted the urgency of amending the statute of limitations within five days, suggesting that the government might need to issue a royal decree for rapid action. He pointed out that although the statute may expire, it does not absolve the defendants of guilt, only preventing their punishment.
Both Mr. Pokpong and Mr. Prinya stressed the importance of government action to meet societal expectations and maintain national security, especially considering the implications of the case in the southern border provinces. Failure to act could result in public criticism and accusations of governmental negligence.