Amnesty Law Back On Pheu Thai Party's Agenda

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Amnesty Law back on Pheu Thai party's agenda
Attayuth Bootsripoom

After being put on the back-burner for the gubernatorial race, the heat of political conflicts is set to flare up again.

BANGKOK: -- One issue that coalition-leader Pheu Thai paused over, for fear it would affect its gubernatorial candidate, was finding a solution to the calls for an amnesty law.

Before the pause, three proposals for an amnesty law had been floated, by the 29 January United Front, the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) and the Independent National Rule of Law Commission. The proposed drafts were sent to the Council of State for consideration.

So far, the Council of State, which is the government's legal advisory body, has not come up with any suggestions. Suggestions are expected soon, presuming Pheu Thai is not just seeking to buy time.

Moreover, Deputy House Speaker Charoen Chankomol has also invited representatives of all sides to discussions on ways to bring about reconciliation. Following the first meeting, Charoen proposed two bills. The first bill would absolve demonstrators who violated the 2010 emergency decree. The second bill would seek to end political conflicts by absolving leaders of the 2010 protests.

Charoen has renewed his efforts by inviting representatives of Pheu Thai, the Democrats, the yellow shirts and the red-shirts to a meeting on Monday. So far, Pheu Thai and the red-shirt movement have agreed to attend, but the Democrats and yellow shirts turned down the invitation.

The Democrat Party has insisted on its stand that those in violation of the penal code and the lese majeste law and those who were guilty of corruption should not be absolved. The Democrats also fear being deceived into supporting an amnesty bill that could be amended during vetting to absolve red-shirt leaders as well.

The People's Alliance for Democracy said it would send a letter to affirm its stand to Charoen without taking part in a meeting.

Moreover, the Democrat and PAD leaders believe they have done nothing wrong and would thus be able to defend themselves in court without the need of an amnesty law.

In its latest move, the red-shirt movement is preparing to propose two more bills. One would seek amnesty for violators of the emergency decree while the other would seek to end political conflicts or would be related to protest leaders. As such, the two bills would be similar to Charoen's proposals. The red shirts are set to propose the bills despite having already proposed a draft amnesty law.

The question is, why do the red-shirt leaders need to rush to push for amnesty now, when the violators of the emergency decree have already been freed? Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan has himself said that only those who violated the Penal Code are still in jail.

Moreover, the government apparently does not want to touch Article 112 - the lese majeste law - which the January 29 United Front wants to amend. As a result, the two bills proposed by the red-shirt movement would benefit no one.

So, the goal of the red-shirt leaders is definitely the passage of the second bill, because all leaders of the protesters would benefit by it. The cases against them have progressed significantly and, if the court finds them guilty, they will be sent to jail.

All these conditions make it hard to view the red-shirt leaders' intentions in any other light.

It seems they dare not seek amnesty for themselves right away, so they must first seek amnesty for the general protesters, and only then push their own case.

However, Pheu Thai will find it difficult to pass an amnesty bill that benefits the red-shirt leadership, because of the strong opposition this would meet from the other side. If Pheu Thai uses its majority to push for amnesty for the protest leaders, it would not be able to end political conflicts in line with the spirit of the bill.

So, Pheu Thai needs to cite general protesters as an excuse to seek amnesty for the leaders.


-- The Nation 2013-03-07

[webfact]

Pheu Thai changes its focus
Khanittha Thepphajorn,
Prapasri Osathanon,
Anapat Deechuay
The Nation

Now that the Bangkok gubernatorial race is over, Pheu Thai MPs have stepped up their mission to push for amnesty laws.

BANGKOK: -- Some 21 Pheu Thai MPs said yesterday that they would submit an amnesty bill to House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranon this afternoon. According to this draft, amnesty should cover everybody involved in political rallies from September 19, 2006 to May 10, 2011, which marked the end of the extended red-shirt protest.

The content of the proposal was mainly in line with previous versions proposed by the red shirts, the January 29 Front, the government-appointed National Rule of Law Commission along with points discussed by red and yellow-shirt leaders during meetings with Deputy House Speaker Charoen Jankomol.

Also yesterday, Charoen - who hails from the Pheu Thai Party - vowed to invite more stakeholders to the discussion as proposed by the yellow shirts.

People's Alliance for Democracy spokesman, Parnthep Puapongphan, handed a letter over to Charoen yesterday asking him to invite more people to join the discussion on amnesty law. The letter suggested that the anti-government Pitak Siam group; people affected by the political turmoil; Nicha Hiranburana, wife of late Colonel Romklao Thuwatham who was killed during the political rally; as well as representatives from the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT) be invited to join.

The PAD spokesman also said that the draft gleaned from this meeting should not be amended before it is submitted to Parliament, and the Reconciliation Bill already submitted should be withdrawn.

Charoen, meanwhile, has issued an invitation to Pheu Thai Party, the red shirts, People's Alliance for Democracy and Democrat Party to meet up and further discuss the amnesty law on Monday.

The invite has been accepted by the red shirts and Pheu Thai, but turned down by the Democrats because party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva believes this will not result in reconciliation, but will instead open the door for some groups to push the law through no matter what.

He said that as long as the Reconciliation Bill handed to Parliament last year is not withdrawn, rifts and chaos would continue.

Former Pitak Siam leader Boonlert Kaewprasit and ex-TRCT chairman Kanit na Nakorn also refused to join the talks yesterday, though Payao Payao Akkahad, mother of paramedic Kamolkade who died during the turmoil, said she backed the law fully.

While the proposed amnesty law is focusing on granting amnesty to those involved in political rallies and those who violated either the Internal Security Act or emergency decree, the Reconciliation Bill covers political movements dating back to before 2006 so politicians can also benefit.

Charoen said that last month he had discussed the issue with representatives of the four groups, though some groups denied their representatives were present.

At this meeting, he claims to have come up with the idea of two separate amnesty laws: one for protesters who violated the emergency decree and the other for protest leaders.

He said yesterday that he would make preparations to invite more stakeholders as proposed by Parnthep and would also invite military officers who worked in the protest-control operations. However, he admitted that he did not know if the meeting would yield any results.


-- The Nation 2013-03-07

[moe666]

PTP show everyone your power and just do it and lets see what happens

[OzMick]

"...two separate amnesty laws: one for protesters who violated the emergency decree and the other for protest leaders."

The first law for those who deserve it but don't need it, and the second for criminals who are getting desperate. Both proposed by a fellow member of the criminal conspiracy called PTP - how surprising.

[siampolee]

Seems as if certain people are somewhat concerned as to what is not happening thus the move to dress the amnesty plan in different clothes so as to yet again disguise the real purpose of the plan.

The main idea it seems is to divide the country and stir up yet again civil strife.

All this so as one person and his family along with their brown nosing acolytes can further increase their current looting capacity of the coffers of Thailand and its peoples. Sadly the long term aim is that of total dictatorial powers and the installation of a dynastic ruling clan who will serve only themselves and their brown nosing acolytes and to hell with the greater majority of the people.

Indeed the p.t.p. (Parasites and Ticks Party) are indeed proving themselves yet again to be nothing more than an infestation that is malevolent and destructive.

One rule of law for one section of society and another rule of law for the second section of society. Indeed a skewed view on the idea of democracy as espoused in the election campaign.

Again two works of literature spring to mind ,Animal Farm and Brave New World, prophetic works concerning the current re-branded proposal from this current maladministration concerning the welfare of their paymaster and puppet master.

It seems as if the P.T.P. ( Parasites and Ticks Party) policies are founded on the assorted themes of the two aforementioned literary works.

[reiltin]

It seems killers,rapists(Chula H), arsonists and thieves deserve pardon.. The Pheu Thai Party a broad church indeed.

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

― Voltaire

[smedly]

time for the RS leaders to realise that they are going to court and they are going to jail

Because they broke the law

[hellodolly]

I am confused.

I thought the PT was elected to protect society from criminals of all sizes and shapes.

As it turns out the Democrats seem to be the ones doing that.

The amnesty that the PT is talking about is comparable to come and----------me don't even bother with Vaseline.

[chainarong]

Amnesty law , what the hell is a amnesty law, are things so bad here in Thailand that this is the only way , me thinks sweeping under carpet is all very fine , but hey , you do crime , ya do da time, Nifty Shifty ain't got anything on this crowd

[bigbamboo]

How predictable.

But why when Thailand is doing so well, saving the elephants from extinction and leading the world out of recession, would the PT government risk screwing everything up with this amnesty nonsense again?

[seajae]

Thai people really need to realize that there are consequences for their own actions, until they do we will continually see these criminals getting away with everything. Rich people get away with murder, leaders get away with graft etc, it is getting beyond a joke. Maybe when parents actually start to teach their kids that they are not all gods and beyond any sort of retribution they might change but I doubt it, they think that thais are gods gift to the world and can do whatever they like.

[Buchholz]

BANGKOK: -- Some 21 Pheu Thai MPs said yesterday that they would submit an amnesty bill to House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranon this afternoon.

.

The 21 PTP MP's amnesty bill and its draft was written by Red Shirt Lawyers and Red Shirt Leader/PTP MP Worachai Hema. It is the furthest reaching of all the amnesty bills to date in terms of its coverage. Curiously enough, Worachai said the bill had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai Party or the government.

This version is the staggering eighth different amnesty bill being proposed.

Four of these have not reached Parliament in draft form, including this one. The others are a version that was completed by the Independent Committee for Promotion of the Rule of Law, (NRLC) and its Chairman, Ukrit Mongkol-navin:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/617296-rule-of-law-agency-wants-amnesty-bill-thailand/#entry6088399

Another of the four is is in the form of an Executive Decree and was written by former PTP MP and current Red Shirt Leader Jatuporn.

The remaining one of the four is in the form of a constitutional amendment and was prepared by the Red Shirt leaning Nitirat Group, of which the aforementioned PTP MP/Red Shirt Leader Worachai Hema ia a member.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/617745-red-yellow-shirt-leaders-give-in-principle-okay-to-two-proposals-amnesty-bills/#entry6093876

There are another four versions of amnesty bills that have reached Parliament and are waiting for their first reading. In this group is an amnesty bill submitted by former coup leader and current Party Leader of the Matubhum Party, General Sonthi.

Other amnesty bills awaiting first reading are ones by PTP MP Samat Kaewmeechai, another by PTP MP

Niyom Worapanya, and the last one is by Deputy Commerce Minister/PTP MP/Red Shirt Leader Nattawut Saikua.

Phew!

I think I have them all covered now.

.

[rubl]

Ah, the sweet and fragrant smell of amnesty for all.

Deputy House speaker Charoen with two bills covering 2010 protesters and their leaders. This excepting k. Abhisit and Suthep of course

[Buchholz]

more information on the eighth different version of amnesty proposal...

21 Puea Thai MPs submit amnesty bill draft to house speaker

BANGKOK, 7 March 2013 (NNT) - Twenty-one MPs from the Puea Thai Party have submitted another draft of amnesty bill to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

According to the group, the MPs were simply exercising their rights and that the move had nothing to do with the Puea Thai Party.

The draft bill proposed consists of seven articles, and will grant amnesty to those involved in political rallies of all sides, but not to protest leaders, or "those who had the power to decide the direction of political movements". Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as senior officials in former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's administration, will not be covered by the bill.

The draft proposed came about a month after Deputy House Speaker Charoen Chankomol brokered agreement among different political groups, including the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), as well as the Puea Thai and the Democrat parties. All the groups involved agreed in broad terms that an amnesty bill was desirable, but that it should not grant amnesty to protest leaders.

-- NNT 2103-03-07

Edited March 7, 2013 by Buchholz

[webfact]

Fresh move for amnesty for political protest offenders
By English News



BANGKOK, March 7 – A group of Thai MPs in the government bloc proposed an amnesty bill to parliament Thursday, seeking to pardon those convicted in political demonstrations and related unrest.

Pheu Thai Samut Prakarn MP Vorachai Hema submitted the bill, endorsed by 42 MPs, to House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranond and said the proposed amnesty involves civilians of all political factions as well as state personnel.

Core leaders in political protests and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra are excluded from the pardon, he said, calling on the opposition Democrat Party to refraining from blocking the move.

The House speaker said the bill will be given to next week’s parliamentary meeting but would not commit if it will be deliberated together with pending amnesty bills proposed earlier by other MPs.

Mr Somsak said he would not withdraw pending amnesty bills as proposed by the Democrat Party and the People’s Alliance for Democracy. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-03-07

[Robby nz]

So we are asked to believe that 21 MP's from the Pheu Thai Party have nothing to do with the Pheu Party.

Suppose they have to do something to try to take peoples minds off the half trillion Baht loss on the rice.

[ratcatcher]

So we are asked to believe that 21 MP's from the Pheu Thai Party have nothing to do with the Pheu Party.

Suppose they have to do something to try to take peoples minds off the half trillion Baht loss on the rice.

You get the idea.

Kind of like a group of people making a big disturbance in the street in front of your house.

While you are distracted, the thieves come in through the back door. Bingo.

[Buchholz]

So we are asked to believe that 21 MP's from the Pheu Thai Party have nothing to do with the Pheu Party.

Suppose they have to do something to try to take peoples minds off the half trillion Baht loss on the rice.

.

Like a disease-causing bacteria cell undergoing binary fission, the number of PTP MP's has doubled

.

Fresh move for amnesty for political protest offenders

Pheu Thai Samut Prakarn MP Vorachai Hema submitted the bill, endorsed by 42 MPs

Edited March 7, 2013 by Buchholz

[rubl]

"Core leaders in political protests will be excluded from the pardon"

If I was a UDD leader and be named as one of those not excluded from the pardon, I would immediately resign indignantly, but then I'm easily provoked

BTW is this 'new' amnesty bill proposal number nine, or did I miss some. I must admit not to have paid attention although I vague remember to have seen some poster mentioning we had eight

[Skywalker69]

BANGKOK: -- Some 21 Pheu Thai MPs said yesterday that they would submit an amnesty bill to House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranon this afternoon.

.

The 21 PTP MP's amnesty bill and its draft was written by Red Shirt Lawyers and Red Shirt Leader/PTP MP Worachai Hema. It is the furthest reaching of all the amnesty bills to date in terms of its coverage. Curiously enough, Worachai said the bill had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai Party or the government.

This version is the staggering eighth different amnesty bill being proposed.

Four of these have not reached Parliament in draft form, including this one. The others are a version that was completed by the Independent Committee for Promotion of the Rule of Law, (NRLC) and its Chairman, Ukrit Mongkol-navin:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/617296-rule-of-law-agency-wants-amnesty-bill-thailand/#entry6088399

Another of the four is is in the form of an Executive Decree and was written by former PTP MP and current Red Shirt Leader Jatuporn.

The remaining one of the four is in the form of a constitutional amendment and was prepared by the Red Shirt leaning Nitirat Group, of which the aforementioned PTP MP/Red Shirt Leader Worachai Hema ia a member.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/617745-red-yellow-shirt-leaders-give-in-principle-okay-to-two-proposals-amnesty-bills/#entry6093876

There are another four versions of amnesty bills that have reached Parliament and are waiting for their first reading. In this group is an amnesty bill submitted by former coup leader and current Party Leader of the Matubhum Party, General Sonthi.

Other amnesty bills awaiting first reading are ones by PTP MP Samat Kaewmeechai, another by PTP MP

Niyom Worapanya, and the last one is by Deputy Commerce Minister/PTP MP/Red Shirt Leader Nattawut Saikua.

Phew!

I think I have them all covered now.

.

Do I remember wrong, but didn´t Chalerm had some fingers i a amnesty bill, as well?

[OzMick]

It seems proposing an amnesty bill scores more brownie points than butt kissing in Dubai - not that they are mutually exclusive.

[sscsamui]

NO Amnesty for Anyone. If they broke the Law Prosecute them... Thats the Law......

[Robby nz]

NO Amnesty for Anyone. If they broke the Law Prosecute them... Thats the Law......

What has the law got to do with it?

[h90]

"...two separate amnesty laws: one for protesters who violated the emergency decree and the other for protest leaders."

The first law for those who deserve it but don't need it, and the second for criminals who are getting desperate. Both proposed by a fellow member of the criminal conspiracy called PTP - how surprising.

If the first really deserve it is also in doubt. If the same would happen in UK, USA or Germany, I doubt the protestors would get any mercy.

[bigbamboo]

BANGKOK: -- Some 21 Pheu Thai MPs said yesterday that they would submit an amnesty bill to House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranon this afternoon.

.

The 21 PTP MP's amnesty bill and its draft was written by Red Shirt Lawyers and Red Shirt Leader/PTP MP Worachai Hema. It is the furthest reaching of all the amnesty bills to date in terms of its coverage. Curiously enough, Worachai said the bill had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai Party or the government.

This version is the staggering eighth different amnesty bill being proposed.

Four of these have not reached Parliament in draft form, including this one. The others are a version that was completed by the Independent Committee for Promotion of the Rule of Law, (NRLC) and its Chairman, Ukrit Mongkol-navin:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/617296-rule-of-law-agency-wants-amnesty-bill-thailand/#entry6088399

Another of the four is is in the form of an Executive Decree and was written by former PTP MP and current Red Shirt Leader Jatuporn.

The remaining one of the four is in the form of a constitutional amendment and was prepared by the Red Shirt leaning Nitirat Group, of which the aforementioned PTP MP/Red Shirt Leader Worachai Hema ia a member.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/617745-red-yellow-shirt-leaders-give-in-principle-okay-to-two-proposals-amnesty-bills/#entry6093876

There are another four versions of amnesty bills that have reached Parliament and are waiting for their first reading. In this group is an amnesty bill submitted by former coup leader and current Party Leader of the Matubhum Party, General Sonthi.

Other amnesty bills awaiting first reading are ones by PTP MP Samat Kaewmeechai, another by PTP MP

Niyom Worapanya, and the last one is by Deputy Commerce Minister/PTP MP/Red Shirt Leader Nattawut Saikua.

Phew!

I think I have them all covered now.

.

Do I remember wrong, but didn´t Chalerm had some fingers i a amnesty bill, as well?

Chalerm wanted to write his own version of the Amnesty Bill but he wanted three months to do it and then ran out of room on his piece of paper.

[hellodolly]

I must have been sleeping. I didn't realize they had ever taking it off the Agenda.

Just not talked about it for a while.