‘Abolish Article 44 and ensure rule of law’: ex-Pheu Thai top figure

[snoop1130]

‘Abolish Article 44 and ensure rule of law’: ex-Pheu Thai top figure

By The Nation

 

 

Pheu Thai’s former secretary-general on Wednesday urged the junta to renounce the absolute power of Article 44 and to ensure the rule of law in addition to its latest announcement of a clear election plan.

 

Chavalit Wichayasut said such moves would enhance the nation’s credibility. 

 

“Now, some people are still questioning whether there is discrimination in the justice system, using the law to punish someone retroactively,” Chavalit said, apparently referring to the new legal procedures law against politicians in criminal cases that can proceed in absentia.

 

Although the government said that law was fair, the politician said he did not think the government was being reasonable.

 

To bring some cases back to court would trouble people, he said. And as the international community places importance on the rule of law, such a practice risked costing the country its credibility – and it would not be worth it, he said.

 

Another area of concern was the extra-constitutional power, he said. Although the new charter has already been effected, the exercise of Article 44 – which grants absolute power to the junta head – remained, Chavalit explained.

 

“It could be weird that an election is held to bring back democracy while such extra power remains,” he said.

 

Chavalit’s reaction came after Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stated clearly that an election would occur in November next year. Prayut’s announcement caused the Stock Exchange of Thailand index to jump to more than 1,700 on Tuesday.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30329062

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-10-11

[yellowboat]

Three years of martial law is a long time.  Not sure what has changed in Thailand to make it safe for participatory government. 

[halloween]

PTP mouthpiece says "Thaksin doesn't like it."

[leeneeds]

 

bringing justice is right and fair, running away and leaving servants to fall foul of the law truly shows what sort of people they are,  horrendous life time of freedoms lost for greed and power, article 44 will not change people's need for such wealth and power, only serve as a big stick that will add a little balance, for those who abuse the power granted by the people, keeping your hands out of the cookie jar is impossible for some and always will be.

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

To bring some cases back to court would trouble people

 

[Khun Paul]

I agree withg the one of the article but we all know including the current Govt, that Article 44 is needed as most Thais ignore the law if it suits them, ignoring Article 44 would be just plain silly.

[Samui Bodoh]

18 minutes ago, leeneeds said:

 

bringing justice is right and fair, running away and leaving servants to fall foul of the law truly shows what sort of people they are,  horrendous life time of freedoms lost for greed and power, article 44 will not change people's need for such wealth and power, only serve as a big stick that will add a little balance, for those who abuse the power granted by the people, keeping your hands out of the cookie jar is impossible for some and always will be.

 

 

Respectfully, this is complete and utter nonsense.

 

"article 44 will not change people's need for such wealth and power, only serve as a big stick that will add a little balance".

 

How exactly would giving a coup-maker the power to dispense justice against his enemies while letting his friends/family go hog wild "add a little balance"? Have you already forgotten what his brother has been up to? It is nothing but self-appointed, arrogant people with guns thinking that they have the right to the law while others don't. It is hypocrisy gone mad.

 

Justice is when the rules apply to all. It is injustice when someone gives themselves amnesty in advance then demands that others respect the law.

 

Pure BS.

 

 

Edited October 11, 2017 by Samui Bodoh

[Kiwiken]

The problem is with Thailand is there is little true democracy. just power factions North South and Central vying for power at any cost.

Any Government that threatens the status quo (central power) is deemed to be anti Royalist and therefore the Army intervenes.

Thaksin through inter marriage is related to the same people who oppose him though he is seen as a low blood interloper from Chiang mai.

Thailand has advanced little since 1932. It is still Siam and feudal. Had the 1974 reforms continued there would be democracy and a more stable Society. Until the Thai themselves realise this the endless cycle will continue.

[seajae]

in other words we dont want thaksin to face the courts for his actions but this law should apply retroactively to everyone, the way the people run away to avoid being charged is bullsh*t. 

[hawker9000]

Abolish it?

 

Yeah, right.  That's gonna' happen...

 

[Oziex1]

1 hour ago, Khun Paul said:

I agree withg the one of the article but we all know including the current Govt, that Article 44 is needed as most Thais ignore the law if it suits them, ignoring Article 44 would be just plain silly.

They ignore the law because they are not enforced and it is too easy to come to financial arrangements to avoid punishment. 

Article 44 is not required and has not been used to solve pressing issues,  the lawless with wealth rule and the officials employed to enforce the law are idle and corrupt.

[steven100]

The last thing Thailand needs is to abolish article 44.

It's the one thing stopping mayhem, anarchy and lawlessness.

I hope it stays forever.

[Cadbury]

59 minutes ago, steven100 said:

The last thing Thailand needs is to abolish article 44.

It's the one thing stopping mayhem, anarchy and lawlessness.

I hope it stays forever.

Article 44 is nothing more than Prayut's security blanket that he can bite on or hug when he feels the need.

[Sydebolle]

The pressure cooker Thailand is starting to work - again .............. me thinks 

[leeneeds]

6 hours ago, leeneeds said:

 

bringing justice is right and fair, running away and leaving servants to fall foul of the law truly shows what sort of people they are,  horrendous life time of freedoms lost for greed and power, article 44 will not change people's need for such wealth and power, only serve as a big stick that will add a little balance, for those who abuse the power granted by the people, keeping your hands out of the cookie jar is impossible for some and always will be.

 

 

6 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

 

Respectfully, this is complete and utter nonsense.

 

"article 44 will not change people's need for such wealth and power, only serve as a big stick that will add a little balance".

 

How exactly would giving a coup-maker the power to dispense justice against his enemies while letting his friends/family go hog wild "add a little balance"? Have you already forgotten what his brother has been up to? It is nothing but self-appointed, arrogant people with guns thinking that they have the right to the law while others don't. It is hypocrisy gone mad.

 

Justice is when the rules apply to all. It is injustice when someone gives themselves amnesty in advance then demands that others respect the law.

 

Pure BS.

 

 

I think the future is what the article 44 is about , saying that no body is above the law and no time limit, if you have dispersions about the PM family then I strongly suggest you take it too the authorities,  As for giving himself immunity I see a common sense and a thought process that negates a charge of coup leader after the election has happened, 

Nothing surer that a lot of pushing by many outside political people as well as outside governments wanted to end the Shinawatra style of government, , 

I think you are short sighted if you think the PM did not consider all his options prior to launching the coup, 

I believe after years of stable future government that the article 44 will be removed, but first you have to break the impasse, that has dogged Thailand for so long, The PM has made mistakes no doubt, (as he is human ) Learning the political systems, dealing with all sides and opinions , laws , infighting , corruption the list goes on, 

My optimism can be shot down in the future, but think it is too early for you to do so,

 

[Samui Bodoh]

To all those who believe that Article 44 is a good thing;

 

Would you agree that the leader of the party with the most votes in the next election gets to use Article 44? 

 

I wouldn't.

[JAG]

58 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

To all those who believe that Article 44 is a good thing;

 

Would you agree that the leader of the party with the most votes in the next election gets to use Article 44? 

 

I wouldn't.

If your second paragraph was amended to read: "Would you agree that the leader of the party which is allowed to form the government after the next election gets to use Article 44? " then I imagine they would...

[candide]

3 hours ago, leeneeds said:

if you have dispersions about the PM family then I strongly suggest you take it too the authorities

That says it all!

[YetAnother]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

To bring some cases back to court would trouble people, he said.

i see, no need to trouble people...it is called chaos

[ramrod711]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

“Now, some people are still questioning whether there is discrimination in the justice system, using the law to punish someone retroactively,” Chavalit said, apparently referring to the new legal procedures law against politicians in criminal cases that can proceed in absentia.

I am much more in favor of abolishing article 44 than backtracking on the decision to enforce laws where the perpetrator is absent from the country. I would like to see the Red Bull heir, the flying monk, Thaksin, Yingluck and all the rest of criminals made to face justice when they return. It is a slap in the face for the victims to contemplate a free pass for these people just because they were able to successfully flee. Come back, face the music or stay away, up to you as Thais say.

[Baerboxer]

"To bring some cases back to court would trouble people, he said."

 

Especially his boss !

[YetAnother]

On 10/11/2017 at 5:44 PM, snoop1130 said:

to ensure the rule of law

good one ; 

like a visionary billionaire in america said; 'good, we need to know who the morons are'

[tryasimight]

I wonder voted for him in a free and fair election?

 

Pheu Thai’s former secretary-general on Wednesday urged the junta to renounce the absolute power of Article 44 and to ensure the rule of law in addition to its latest announcement of a clear election plan.

 

Chavalit Wichayasut said such moves would enhance the nation’s credibility. 

[Reigntax]

On Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 10:26 AM, seajae said:

in other words we dont want thaksin to face the courts for his actions but this law should apply retroactively to everyone, the way the people run away to avoid being charged is bullsh*t. 

 

I believe everyone would be happy for Thaksin to face the courts under an equal rule of law for his actions and apparent crimes as long as Prayuth does as well.

 

Any new government should seek endorsement to retrospectively repeal article 44, then watch as Prayuth and most of the high raking military high tail it out of the country, probably to Dubai or China and North Korea where they will be welcomed with open arms.

Edited October 14, 2017 by Reigntax

[Reigntax]

On Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:35 PM, ramrod711 said:

I am much more in favor of abolishing article 44 than backtracking on the decision to enforce laws where the perpetrator is absent from the country. I would like to see the Red Bull heir, the flying monk, Thaksin, Yingluck and all the rest of criminals made to face justice when they return. It is a slap in the face for the victims to contemplate a free pass for these people just because they were able to successfully flee. Come back, face the music or stay away, up to you as Thais say.

 

And article 44 is a free pass from Prayuth and his cohorts to commit any crime, ignore any law and remove the rights of the entire population. As you say, its " a free pass" to avoid any justice for his actions while retrospectively enforcing actions against those apposed to the junta.

 

Yes, Prayuth should have the balls to face the law just as the rest of the polulation but he is too much of a coward to do so.

[Reigntax]

On Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 10:47 AM, steven100 said:

The last thing Thailand needs is to abolish article 44.

It's the one thing stopping mayhem, anarchy and lawlessness.

I hope it stays forever.

 

The leaders of China, North Korea and currently Thailand are pleased with your support. 

 

The same occurred in Germany during the 30's and 40's where the population supported the actions of a certain leader while ignoring the crimes because they received personal benefit only to suffer far greater losses in future. They then claimed ignorance of what had occurred despite the support they provided.

 

Most can learn from history's mistakes. Some just prefer to ignore it.

Edited October 14, 2017 by Reigntax

[pornprong]

On 10/12/2017 at 7:03 AM, halloween said:

PTP mouthpiece says "Thaksin doesn't like it."

How amusing, you're using your personal dislike of Thaksin to defend Section 44.