The opposition Move Forward party has called for justice equality and an end to double standards, citing the privileges allegedly accorded to convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

In a statement issued following Thaksin’s release on parole this morning, after having spent 180 days at the Police General Hospital, the Move Forward party said that, despite Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s repeated assurances of his government’s adherence to the rule of law, the privileges accorded to Thaksin, from his treatment outside Corrections Department’s facilities to his parole, lack transparency and have raised significant concerns over double standards.

The party also said, however, that it is undeniable that Thaksin was subjected to unfair treatment, as manifested by his overthrow in a military coup and by the judicial process, resulting in his convictions and sentencing.

The privileges accorded to him, after his return to Thailand on August 22nd last year, while other political prisoners are being denied the same privileges, also raises questions about equaltreatment under Thai laws.

The government, said the party, should ensure equal justice for everyone and refrain from doing anything which is seen as evidence of double standards.