Justice rejects amnesty commission idea

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Justice Ministry spokesman Sittisak Vanachakij said a proposal by academics to set up a commission to grant amnesty and solve the lingering political conflict stemming from the 2006-2010 military coup, was done with good intent.

However, he said, the Nitirat Group of Thammasat law lecturers lacked the international norm that would allow such a commission to act in place of the courts of law.

Sittisak said such a commission as proposed by Nitirat, (also known as 'enlightened jurists'), was not needed as the various courts of law are qualified to dispense justice to all.

Also, there has been no such precedent elsewhere where a commission has the necessary judicial authority.

"The Parliament is the best channel in passing an [amnesty] bill. It's up to the Parliament to decide," said Sittisak, adding that what Nitirat proposed was an academic opinion that society must look into and decide whether was appropriate or not.

Sittisak added that another big hurdle was whether politicians would accept such an idea.

-- The Nation 2013-01-15

From a neutral perspective it would seem that a neutral amnesty commission would be a good idea. Quite clearly Parliament is split with one side wanting one thing and the other side the other.

An unbiased approach could set a new precedent.

From a neutral perspective it would seem that a neutral amnesty commission would be a good idea. Quite clearly Parliament is split with one side wanting one thing and the other side the other.

An unbiased approach could set a new precedent.

True. But Nitirat group are far from neutral. They are from the Weng school of thinking.

sent from my Q6

Why is amnesty on the table? Send them to court and let justice prevail.

However, he said, the Nitirat Group of Thammasat law lecturers lacked the international norm that would allow such a commission to act in place of the courts of law.

Also, there has been no such precedent elsewhere where a commission has the necessary judicial authority.

Really...its worked in other places

http://en.wikipedia....n_(South_Africa)

Edited January 15, 201313 yr by Soutpeel

Soutpeel, I suspect that a reading of the original Thai would indicate he is referring to Thai precedence.

Soutpeel, I suspect that a reading of the original Thai would indicate he is referring to Thai precedence.

but they also refer to "lacked the international norm"

If offering an amnesty for the real reason of returning a convicted criminal to Thailand were taken into consideration - it could well be the catalyst for civil war. No thanks, not very smart I'm afraid as the motivation is purely political at one persons continuing manipulation of others and thus there is no justice in this. Thumbs down to this and the Justice Ministry is avoiding the issue by passing the ball - predictably.

Soutpeel, I suspect that a reading of the original Thai would indicate he is referring to Thai precedence.

but they also refer to "lacked the international norm"

Yes, you are probably right.

how is amnesty even an issue? where is the conflict and what is their idea? If we exonerate all the criminals then the issue is over?

I can't think of anything more ridiculous or "3rd world".