Ministry of Justice Seeks Clarity on Security Committee’s Authority Over 14th Floor Issue.

Bangkok: The Ministry of Justice has expressed its dissatisfaction regarding the authority and responsibilities of the House Security Committee, which has summoned the Minister of Justice, the Director-General of the Department of Corrections, and over ten officials to provide clarification on the contentious 14th floor issue. This meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, with the attendance of the House Speaker remaining uncertain as it is left to personal discretion. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sombun Muangklam, who serves as an advisor to the Minister of Justice and is an executive in the Department of Corrections, addressed the situation involving the House of Representatives' Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform. This committee has called for clarification on the treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital. Mr. Muangklam stated that he was instructed by the Minister of Justice to hold this press conference foll owing inquiries from multiple parties about whether he would attend the committee meeting. The invitation was issued personally, summoning key figures such as the Minister of Justice and the Director-General of the Department of Corrections, alongside approximately ten officials from the Corrections Department. The Department of Corrections has voiced its concerns and sent a letter to the Speaker of the House, expressing their unease over legal questions concerning the Committee on Security's powers and duties in three specific areas. Firstly, as per the regulations of the Security Committee, there is a defined scope of authority that delineates the committee's jurisdiction. The Department of Corrections contends that the current issue does not fall within this jurisdiction. Secondly, they argue that this action overlaps with a previous Police Commission inquiry, which was also called for clarification and investigation. Corrections Department executives had already provided clarification in December 2023, a nd they suggest that any further calls should consolidate the matters to prevent redundancy. Lastly, they highlight that independent organizations, such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), are already conducting detailed investigations into the matter and have requested documents from prison officials. Other organizations, including the Office of the Ombudsman and the National Human Rights Commission, have also investigated this issue previously. In light of these concerns, the Department of Corrections has sent a letter to both the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the House Committee on Security, seeking clarity on the committee's powers and duties before proceeding. They have indicated their willingness to cooperate if the Speaker confirms that the inquiry falls within the committee's jurisdiction. Despite expressing these concerns, the Ministry of Justice has not yet decided on the attendance of the Justice Minister, the Director-General, or the officials at tomorrow's meeting, l eaving it to individual discretion.