I Beg Your Pardon... Is Amnesty In The Works Or Not?: Thai Talk

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THAI TALK

I beg your pardon... Is amnesty in the works or not?

Suthichai Yoon

The Nation

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said in Seoul last week that he wasn't coming home until "genuine reconciliation" takes place in Thailand. He insisted that he didn't want to be part of the problem. He wanted to be part of the solution.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul, however, informed reporters while visiting Abu Dhabi a day later, when asked whether he thought Thaksin would have a chance of coming home: "That is certain. I told the UAE that he [Thaksin] will surely return to Thailand and that he won't be here [in Dubai] for too long. He will be home soon."

These two statements don't necessarily contradict each other. In fact, they could end up being the same message. Thai observers have got used to being confused by such public declarations that appear divergent but finally morph in the same political direction.

The statements were made just after the alleged plan to put Thaksin on the list of 30,000 prisoners seeking a royal pardon on the occasion of His Majesty the King's 84th birthday. When things got too politically complicated, the idea was withdrawn, so much so that the ousted former premier had to issue a handwritten note insisting that he didn't want to be part of the annual pardon.

But Deputy Premier Chalerm Yoonbamrung isn't giving up. He, in fact, teased us that the media had been sent into a frenzy over the story by a well-orchestrated plan to confuse reporters. He claimed that the so-called "royal pardon for Thaksin" was never in the works in the first place - and the "secret" Cabinet session that the media had linked to the move to help Thaksin was in fact never part of the plan.

The real action, he said, would be in an amnesty bill that he is working on. He told both the media and other politicians, with equal enthusiasm, that the general amnesty campaign will continue. In principle, he said, the bill will be tabled in Parliament but the steps towards implementation will have to be carefully thought out. But he left no doubt that it's going to be his personal campaign.

"I will personally draw up the bill with an expert legal team," the deputy premier said, adding that the bill won't only provide clemency for Thaksin. It will benefit "all sectors, be they yellow shirts, red shirts and anybody who suffered from the September 19, 2006 coup", he said.

But then a few days later, Chalerm announced that he would no longer talk about the proposed amnesty. He didn't say why. Nor did he explain why his noble scheme to offer amnesty to everybody affected by the coup was suddenly put on the backburner.

Perhaps, it was another ploy by the veteran politician to catch his critics unawares. It might be another ruse he is very good at to lead people astray. He probably wants to have the last laugh over his detractors and the media, who have been following every step of his grand plan to get the former prime minister back to Thailand, one way or the other.

We the innocent observers will have to listen to all sides to be able to keep up with these shrewd politicians. Kaewsun Atibodhi, a Thaksin critic, suggested that the Yingluck government, having dropped the royal decree bid in the wake of vehement opposition from certain quarters, may turn to a constitutional amendment as a way to bring Thaksin back to Thailand.

He said amending the Charter is "the only legal channel left" for Thaksin's supporters to get him back into the country without facing his prison term. Legal experts speculate that the Pheu Thai-led government may resort to the removal of Article 309 of the Constitution, which legitimises all actions taken by the 2006 coup-makers.

But that would be too obvious a move. To come up with a proper cover that the government could claim would "benefit all people affected by the coup", the deletion of that particular clause in the Constitution would be tantamount to helping only Thaksin. Chalerm's game plan is a more broad-based bill that would offer amnesty to all. And that, inescapably, includes Thaksin.

But any move that could be seen to be directed at absolving the former premier from all criminal guilt could be politically divisive. And Thaksin has made it clear that he doesn't want to be "part of the problem" of the country.

The complications are numerous. The legal channels are limited. The powers-that-be want to make sure any move in that direction won't kick up a major uproar that could shake their own political stability.

Hence the continuing confusion - and the inherent political tension that you and I have been suffering from for many years. The malaise remains with us. Hoping against hope, we pray that we will see light at the end of the tunnel in the not-too-distant future.

-- The Nation 2011-12-01

[ramrod711]

Perhaps, it was another ploy by the veteran politician to catch his critics unawares. It might be another ruse he is very good at to lead people astray. He probably wants to have the last laugh over his detractors and the media, who have been following every step of his grand plan to get the former prime minister back to Thailand, one way or the other.

or possibly he isn't very smart, and speaks without thinking first

[edgarfriendly]

If they want to wallow in shit, let them.

end of complications.

ef

[jimbeam1]

The O/P photo would make for a great caption competition. He looks so dejected, bless him.

jb1

[OzMick]

Does Chalerm really want Thaksin back? He huffs and puffs, snorts and paws the ground, issues statements of loyalty, and makes moves obviously doomed to fail, and then vows to try something else sure to succeed.

Meanwhile, though only 4th in the chain of command, he dominates the political scene, and allows the political novice to take all the bad press while he takes the plaudits for drug busts and shutting down gambling dens. And the cheques keep rolling in. Nice work if you can get it.

BTW it's been a month at least since we've heard about a gambling den being closed. Obviously that social evil has been stamped out. He should try smoking or prostitution next.

[hammered]

Ammending the charter isnt the only legal way to bring Thaksin back unfettered. The legislature can enact an amnesty. That is perfectly legal and not exactly uncommon in democracies. It makes you wonder what these experts are going on about unless of course they plan on some shenanigans to remove the power of the legislature whihc in parliamentary systems is usually the suprem body of the triumverate for fairly obvious and democratic reasons

[OzMick]

The O/P photo would make for a great caption competition. He looks so dejected, bless him.

jb1

He probably just got the bill for those pumps.

[hellodolly]

Perhaps, it was another ploy by the veteran politician to catch his critics unawares. It might be another ruse he is very good at to lead people astray. He probably wants to have the last laugh over his detractors and the media, who have been following every step of his grand plan to get the former prime minister back to Thailand, one way or the other.

or possibly he isn't very smart, and speaks without thinking first

Are you saying he could be another Jatuporn Promphan?

[Buchholz]

Does Chalerm really want Thaksin back? He huffs and puffs, snorts and paws the ground, issues statements of loyalty, and makes moves obviously doomed to fail, and then vows to try something else sure to succeed.

Meanwhile, though only 4th in the chain of command, he dominates the political scene, and allows the political novice to take all the bad press while he takes the plaudits for drug busts and shutting down gambling dens. And the cheques keep rolling in. Nice work if you can get it.

BTW it's been a month at least since we've heard about a gambling den being closed. Obviously that social evil has been stamped out.

a new and polar opposite strategy...

Gambling Bills

The plan to legalize casino gambling was taken up once again when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s Cabinet endorsed two draft bills on gambling and gaming proposed by the Interior Ministry while the country is still grappling with the months-long flood crisis.

Most Thais still don’t even know about the endorsement that marks the first step to make Thailand the land of gambling and entertainment like its neighbors in Southeast Asia which has been reaping a lot of money from the gambling industry.

A number of Thais, ranging from businesspeople, public officials, vendors, mafia leaders, military and police officers, have been regular customers at casinos in neighboring countries.

According to the Parliamentary procedure, the Cabinet will appoint a committee to review the bills and pass them on to the Senate for consideration. If the bills are rejected, a joint House and Senate committee will be set up to look into the bills again. The bills will be enacted once they have been approved by both the House and the Senate and are not in violation of the laws. Then, Thailand could have a legal casino for the first time, which is bad news for its neighbors.

Thailand has long been known as the land of Buddhism and previous pushes by politicians to legalize gambling were always faced opposition from the public. In the past, there are a few casinos in Asia that could live up to the same standard as the ones in Las Vegas. Interestingly, every time there is a change of government, the issue of legalizing gambling is often brought up by politicians.

The debate is still ongoing with the spotlight being shone on which entity should be entrusted to oversee the opening and closure of casinos. The question is what are other benefits for the country from legalizing casinos apart from tax revenues and who will have control over the gambling industry. I dare say that it will be in the hand of 3 or 4 groups of people. In the long run, Thais will become openly addicted to the vice and the country will have to deal with ensuing economic and social problems with an unexpected severity.

Editorial, Kom Chad Luek, Page 4, November 30th, 2011

Translated and rewritten by Wacharapol Isaranont

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-30

[lannarebirth]

Does Chalerm really want Thaksin back? He huffs and puffs, snorts and paws the ground, issues statements of loyalty, and makes moves obviously doomed to fail, and then vows to try something else sure to succeed.

Meanwhile, though only 4th in the chain of command, he dominates the political scene, and allows the political novice to take all the bad press while he takes the plaudits for drug busts and shutting down gambling dens. And the cheques keep rolling in. Nice work if you can get it.

BTW it's been a month at least since we've heard about a gambling den being closed. Obviously that social evil has been stamped out.

a new and polar opposite strategy...

Gambling Bills

The plan to legalize casino gambling was taken up once again when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's Cabinet endorsed two draft bills on gambling and gaming proposed by the Interior Ministry while the country is still grappling with the months-long flood crisis.

Most Thais still don't even know about the endorsement that marks the first step to make Thailand the land of gambling and entertainment like its neighbors in Southeast Asia which has been reaping a lot of money from the gambling industry.

A number of Thais, ranging from businesspeople, public officials, vendors, mafia leaders, military and police officers, have been regular customers at casinos in neighboring countries.

According to the Parliamentary procedure, the Cabinet will appoint a committee to review the bills and pass them on to the Senate for consideration. If the bills are rejected, a joint House and Senate committee will be set up to look into the bills again. The bills will be enacted once they have been approved by both the House and the Senate and are not in violation of the laws. Then, Thailand could have a legal casino for the first time, which is bad news for its neighbors.

Thailand has long been known as the land of Buddhism and previous pushes by politicians to legalize gambling were always faced opposition from the public. In the past, there are a few casinos in Asia that could live up to the same standard as the ones in Las Vegas. Interestingly, every time there is a change of government, the issue of legalizing gambling is often brought up by politicians.

The debate is still ongoing with the spotlight being shone on which entity should be entrusted to oversee the opening and closure of casinos. The question is what are other benefits for the country from legalizing casinos apart from tax revenues and who will have control over the gambling industry. I dare say that it will be in the hand of 3 or 4 groups of people. In the long run, Thais will become openly addicted to the vice and the country will have to deal with ensuing economic and social problems with an unexpected severity.

Editorial, Kom Chad Luek, Page 4, November 30th, 2011

Translated and rewritten by Wacharapol Isaranont

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-30

From his "New Thailand". to moving the capital, to legalizing casinoes, he's just going down the whole list of policies that got rejected in his first administration, and second, and third.

[Buchholz]

The plan to legalize casino gambling was taken up once again when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's Cabinet endorsed two draft bills on gambling and gaming proposed by the Interior Ministry while the country is still grappling with the months-long flood crisis.

Most Thais still don't even know about the endorsement that marks the first step to make Thailand the land of gambling and entertainment like its neighbors in Southeast Asia which has been reaping a lot of money from the gambling industry.

From his "New Thailand". to moving the capital, to legalizing casinoes, he's just going down the whole list of policies that got rejected in his first administration, and second, and third.

deja vu....

OROC to go along with OTOP

The Nation

2005-09-09

PM revives gamble on casinos

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has revived his plan to introduce casinos to Thailand as a last-ditch gamble to boost the sagging tourism industry amid increased competition from rival Asian destinations, the tourism and sports minister said yesterday.

Pracha Maleenont said the “one region one casino” initiative was proposed in response to the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland this month and two casinos in Singapore in the next few years.

[Tanaka]

Quote: Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said in Seoul last week that he wasn't coming home until "genuine reconciliation" takes place in Thailand. He insisted that he didn't want to be part of the problem. He wanted to be part of the solution. Unquote.

Not want to be part of the problem? Too late! Much too late. He IS the problem.

Wants to be part of the solution? Easy, just peacefully die somewhere. Problem solved.

[phiphidon]

a new and polar opposite strategy...

Gambling Bills

The plan to legalize casino gambling was taken up once again when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's Cabinet endorsed two draft bills on gambling and gaming proposed by the Interior Ministry while the country is still grappling with the months-long flood crisis.

Most Thais still don't even know about the endorsement that marks the first step to make Thailand the land of gambling and entertainment like its neighbors in Southeast Asia which has been reaping a lot of money from the gambling industry.

A number of Thais, ranging from businesspeople, public officials, vendors, mafia leaders, military and police officers, have been regular customers at casinos in neighboring countries.

According to the Parliamentary procedure, the Cabinet will appoint a committee to review the bills and pass them on to the Senate for consideration. If the bills are rejected, a joint House and Senate committee will be set up to look into the bills again. The bills will be enacted once they have been approved by both the House and the Senate and are not in violation of the laws. Then, Thailand could have a legal casino for the first time, which is bad news for its neighbors.

Thailand has long been known as the land of Buddhism and previous pushes by politicians to legalize gambling were always faced opposition from the public. In the past, there are a few casinos in Asia that could live up to the same standard as the ones in Las Vegas. Interestingly, every time there is a change of government, the issue of legalizing gambling is often brought up by politicians.

The debate is still ongoing with the spotlight being shone on which entity should be entrusted to oversee the opening and closure of casinos. The question is what are other benefits for the country from legalizing casinos apart from tax revenues and who will have control over the gambling industry. I dare say that it will be in the hand of 3 or 4 groups of people. In the long run, Thais will become openly addicted to the vice and the country will have to deal with ensuing economic and social problems with an unexpected severity.

Editorial, Kom Chad Luek, Page 4, November 30th, 2011

Translated and rewritten by Wacharapol Isaranont

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-30

"A number of Thais, ranging from business people, public officials, vendors, mafia leaders, military and police officers, have been regular customers at casinos in neighboring countries."

How can you tell them apart if they're all in civilian clothing? Sounds like one of the clubs I used to frequent in the West End.

[moishe5740]

You heard it direct from a senior politician...

"Deputy Premier Chalerm Yoonbamrung isn't giving up. He, in fact, teased us that the media had been sent into a frenzy over the story by a well-orchestrated plan to confuse reporters. He claimed that the so-called "royal pardon for Thaksin" was never in the works in the first place - and the "secret" Cabinet session that the media had linked to the move to help Thaksin was in fact never part of the plan.

The real action, he said, would be in an amnesty bill that he is working on. "

A Thai that will freely admit that he is a con artist. Probably didn't mean to though and I'm not sure how many Thai's will catch on after reading this report for themselves.

[JulesMad]

"Everything is definitely possible" (TiT)