Abhisit Slams Thai Government On Amnesty Move

[webfact]

Abhisit slams Thai government on amnesty move
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, April 20 – Thailand’s opposition leader has warned that the government-sponsored Amnesty Bill will lead the country backwards and result in political confrontation.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was referring to a decision by the Lower House on Thursday to designate the bill a top priority for debate when Parliament reconvenes in August.

The bill seeks to pardon those found guilty of inciting political demonstrations or violence since the 2006 coup. Then-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted after a coup and has been in self-exile abroad since.

Mr Abhisit admitted that he was concerned by the government’s attempt to have the controversial bill deliberated in the next parliamentary session.

He said the legislation would be a stepping stone for the government to propose a related bill which would eventually grant amnesty to Mr Thaksin and pave the way for his return to Thailand.

It has been reported that the government would push for the so-called reconciliation bill with the hidden objective of assisting Mr Thaksin to return.

The Democrat leader said political reconciliation would be impossible unless everyone respects the justice process.

“Forgiveness and amnesty are different issues. A person is forgiven when he admits his mistakes or wrongdoing. Amnesty is an announcement that a particular activity is not an offence,” he said.

He added that a joint attempt by Pheu Thai MPs and some senators to discredit the power of the Constitution Court by proposing legislation on constitution amendments would only contribute to conflicts among state agencies.

Section 68 of the Constitution allows people to file complaints either with the Constitution Court or the Attorney-General on issues deemed detrimental to the monarchy.

The rewritten version, proposed in an amendment bill recently passed by Parliament in the first reading, eliminates the role of the Constitution Court in this context.

The Constitution Court should be authorised to do its job, Mr Abhisit said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-04-20

[Payboy]

Hey, this was supposed to be a "lashes out". "Slam" was already used last week.

[gl555]

This amnesty bill would be accepted by everyone if there was a clause which said "does not apply to Thaksin Shinawatra".

Of course some people will get an allowance cut should it happen. Boohoo.

[hellodolly]

This amnesty bill would be accepted by everyone if there was a clause which said "does not apply to Thaksin Shinawatra".

Of course some people will get an allowance cut should it happen. Boohoo.

Much as I dislike the idea of amnesty to Jatuporn and the rest of his scum partners in crime I have to agree you are certainly rite the bill would be excepted with out much opposition if as you suggested it was specifically naming Thaksin as not now not ever qualified for Amnesty.

Never going to happen.

As long as we are dreaming I would like to throw in any politician under his control be permanently banned from politics for life.

[lemoncake]

Get ready for yellow shirts to come out, just to name a few things to come

[ZhouZhou]

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was referring to a decision by the Lower House on Thursday to designate the bill a top priority for debate when Parliament reconvenes in August.

Abhisit threatens and attacks Parliamentarian democracy, again.

[Locationthailand]

"...Forgiveness and amnesty are different issues. A person is forgiven when he admits his mistakes or wrongdoing. Amnesty is an announcement that a particular activity is not an offence."

Well said. This in no way is a threat to democracy Zhou

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was referring to a decision by the Lower House on Thursday to designate the bill a top priority for debate when Parliament reconvenes in August.

Abhisit threatens and attacks Parliamentarian democracy, again.

Frogxxxx.

[ZhouZhou]

"...Forgiveness and amnesty are different issues. A person is forgiven when he admits his mistakes or wrongdoing. Amnesty is an announcement that a particular activity is not an offence."

Well said. This in no way is a threat to democracy Zhou

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was referring to a decision by the Lower House on Thursday to designate the bill a top priority for debate when Parliament reconvenes in August.

Abhisit threatens and attacks Parliamentarian democracy, again.

Frogxxxx.

Democracy is not about what Abhisit thinks what is moral good and what is moral bad.

democracy is having a parliament with members elected by the people. and that parliament will pass laws. its members are called lawmakers for a reason. to pass laws they will need a majority. that is democracy.

but Abhisit seems not to accept that democratic decision process.

Edited April 20, 2013 by metisdead

[rubl]

A government and a political party controlled remotely by a fugitive criminal seems like a democratic system starting to fall apart. The Pheu Thai party and the Pheu Thai-led government pushing for unclear bills because their (pay)master has told them to, seems a clear reason to slam the government.

A government which sneakily inserts a bill into a parliamentary session only setup to finish a previous business which wasn't ended in a democratic fashion either seems to ask for a bit of 'slamming'

[ianf]

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was referring to a decision by the Lower House on Thursday to designate the bill a top priority for debate when Parliament reconvenes in August.

Abhisit threatens and attacks Parliamentarian democracy, again.

Zhou Zhou: I don't know what planet you are on. Certainly not the same as the majority of Thai Visa users. Now answer this question honestly: Where do you stand on the political spectrum? Would you have supported Hitler or Churchill? What is interesting to me is that you are so predictable and you have not answered previus points I have made. There is nothing in what Abhisit has said that could lead to the point you make. The job of an opposition leader is to point out the pitfalls and errors in any administration's actions. This is surely what Parliamentary democracy is about. Unike Thaksin who would brook no opposition which is not what Parliamentary democracy is about. What you say in yur other post is absolutely off the wall and incorrect. Come on ZhouZhou, get real and start to understand, not only the nature of democracy but also the nature of fascism.!

Edited April 20, 2013 by ianf

[Markaew]

It feels like the same thing said again and again. This thing is on replay and never stops and somehow it's big news each time.

[caykay]

Can Thai newspapers find a new verb instead of "slam". I feel like I'm reading a sixth grade current events essay every week.

[whybother]

Democracy is not about what Abhisit thinks what is moral good and what is moral bad.

democracy is having a parliament with members elected by the people. and that parliament will pass laws. its members are called lawmakers for a reason. to pass laws they will need a majority. that is democracy.

but Abhisit seems not to accept that democratic decision process.

Don't you think that opposition parties should be allowed to share their opinions? Isn't that part of democracy?

[whybother]

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was referring to a decision by the Lower House on Thursday to designate the bill a top priority for debate when Parliament reconvenes in August.

Abhisit threatens and attacks Parliamentarian democracy, again.

Where is the threat?

[Markaew]

Let's suppose that Thaskin makes his way back to Thailand. How long do you think it will take before he enters politics once again?

I would guess the next election. And he will win. Easily.

[ZhouZhou]

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was referring to a decision by the Lower House on Thursday to designate the bill a top priority for debate when Parliament reconvenes in August.

Abhisit threatens and attacks Parliamentarian democracy, again.

Zhou Zhou: I don't know what planet you are on. Certainly not the same as the majority of Thai Visa users. Now answer this question honestly: Where do you stand on the political spectrum? Would you have supported Hitler or Churchill? What is interesting to me is that you are so predictable and you have not answered previus points I have made. There is nothing in what Abhisit has said that could lead to the point you make. The job of an opposition leader is to point out the pitfalls and errors in any administration's actions. This is surely what Parliamentary democracy is about. Unike Thaksin who would brook no opposition which is not what Parliamentary democracy is about. What you say in yur other post is absolutely off the wall and incorrect. Come on ZhouZhou, get real and start to understand, not only the nature of democracy but also the nature of fascism.!

I don't know how that has something to do with Churchill or Hitler nor would i think that Abhisit compares to any of them. so don't know what your question here really is.

but Hitler or the Nazis were anti parliamentarian.

I am all for a parliamentarian democracy. it is the peoples and the electorate decision who they vote for. if i am believe in democracy i have to accept that and don't threat with a new round of coups, violence and party dissolutions.

[473geo]

Total and absolute failure by the Dems would be to allow Thaksin to return........they have no choice but to fervently contest 'amnesty' all the way.........otherwise they have failed their masters and supporters.........could it possibly happen? Thaksin back in Thailand, free of all the "criminal fugitive running Thailand from Dubai" taunts........takes no guessing where it would leave Abhisit a man whose "Key goal is to oust Thaksin from politics"

[h90]

This amnesty bill would be accepted by everyone if there was a clause which said "does not apply to Thaksin Shinawatra".

Of course some people will get an allowance cut should it happen. Boohoo.

Much as I dislike the idea of amnesty to Jatuporn and the rest of his scum partners in crime I have to agree you are certainly rite the bill would be excepted with out much opposition if as you suggested it was specifically naming Thaksin as not now not ever qualified for Amnesty.

Never going to happen.

As long as we are dreaming I would like to throw in any politician under his control be permanently banned from politics for life.

Amnesty for everyone who may made something wrong at the demonstrations.....but excluded cases of corruption.

But on the other hand what would the point of it? The others are included to make it sound better than amnesty for Thaksin only. If Thaksin is excluded the purpose of the amnesty is gone.

[rubl]

Total and absolut failure of democracy if Thaksin was allowed to return without the need to face his prison sentence or various charges awaiting his return. Let's complain again about lack of rule of law, double standards, 'fight for democracy', a fugitive criminal who even declares not to be involved in politics, not to know red shirts and not to have anything to do with the 2010 riots which really started when a court confiscated 47 billion Baht and 'only return 27 or so.

A government positioning itself as defender of the poor? A government spending billions telling the poor it will trickle down after the rich spent it? A bit of slamming in parliament seems a very soft stance, but just what opposition leaders are supposed to do.

[whybother]

Democracy: Red Shirt style

500 Red-shirts in Si Sa Ket tried to block Democrat Party leader Abhisit from reaching Rajabhat Si Sa Ket Uni to deliver a speech/The Nation

[rubl]

Thailand Live Saturday 20th of April, item #30:

"500 Red-shirts in Si Sa Ket tried to block Democrat Party leader Abhisit from reaching Rajabhat Si Sa Ket Uni to deliver a speech/The Nation"

A similar event as a month or so ago. Did this time also someone tell all gathered at the Uni that the speech was cancelled and they should leave ?

[ZhouZhou]

Total and absolut failure of democracy if Thaksin was allowed to return without the need to face his prison sentence or various charges awaiting his return. Let's complain again about lack of rule of law, double standards, 'fight for democracy', a fugitive criminal who even declares not to be involved in politics, not to know red shirts and not to have anything to do with the 2010 riots which really started when a court confiscated 47 billion Baht and 'only return 27 or so.

A government positioning itself as defender of the poor? A government spending billions telling the poor it will trickle down after the rich spent it? A bit of slamming in parliament seems a very soft stance, but just what opposition leaders are supposed to do.

coups, military or judicial ones are failure of democracy.

winning elections after election are not failure of democracy.

didn't you read that paper you recently linked here in the forum? it was pretty good and explained the balance or the lack of proper balance between the parliament and the judicature and the military.

Edited April 20, 2013 by ZhouZhou

[thomash]

The Thai political soap opera goes on and on and on and..............................................................................................................

[rubl]

The topic is not coups from the past, or their leader having joined the Pheu Thai led coalition and suporting the amnesty which would absolve him ones more.

The topic is Abhisit slamming the government for trying to push through amnesty bills which are seen as highly controversial, unclear in wording, unjust and undemocratic. that has nothing to do with a political party having received 46% of votes and thereby 265 out of 500 seats. It's not even related to another political party having won 159 seats. It's about non-confrontational democracy for all and not just a boss of the biggest political party, a boss who just happens to be a criminal fugitive as well. A skyping criminal ordering his cabinet around telling them what to do with his country? Democracy some say?

[473geo]

Thailand Live Saturday 20th of April, item #30:

"500 Red-shirts in Si Sa Ket tried to block Democrat Party leader Abhisit from reaching Rajabhat Si Sa Ket Uni to deliver a speech/The Nation"

A similar event as a month or so ago. Did this time also someone tell all gathered at the Uni that the speech was cancelled and they should leave ?

Consequence of making unpopular decisions, antagonising and polarising a part of your electorate has consequences

[wolf5370]

Total and absolut failure of democracy if Thaksin was allowed to return without the need to face his prison sentence or various charges awaiting his return. Let's complain again about lack of rule of law, double standards, 'fight for democracy', a fugitive criminal who even declares not to be involved in politics, not to know red shirts and not to have anything to do with the 2010 riots which really started when a court confiscated 47 billion Baht and 'only return 27 or so.

A government positioning itself as defender of the poor? A government spending billions telling the poor it will trickle down after the rich spent it? A bit of slamming in parliament seems a very soft stance, but just what opposition leaders are supposed to do.

coups, military or judicial ones are failure of democracy.

winning elections after election are not failure of democracy.

didn't you read that paper you recently linked here in the forum? it was pretty good and explained the balance or the lack of proper balance between the parliament and the judicature and the military.

In an ideal world, sure. We just ain't living in one. Otherwise Mugabe wouldn't have kept winning - Idi Armin, or [insert dictator name here] - they all win elections - they rig them, pay off threaten opposition and voters - that does not make it a democracy. There is much more to it than that - one of which is rule of law and following parliamentary procedure - and restructuring government and changing process to protect and ring fence themselves over and above the needs of the voters is certainly not democratic (it is what fascist governments do ) - removing constitutional court from the process is a slippery slope and should be questioned, push through self serving laws simply so that the numbers currently sitting will pass it is also not democratic (and somewhat reminiscent of Thaksin's flash election that started all the troubles in the first place)

[wolf5370]

Thailand Live Saturday 20th of April, item #30:

"500 Red-shirts in Si Sa Ket tried to block Democrat Party leader Abhisit from reaching Rajabhat Si Sa Ket Uni to deliver a speech/The Nation"

A similar event as a month or so ago. Did this time also someone tell all gathered at the Uni that the speech was cancelled and they should leave ?

Consequence of making unpopular decisions, antagonising and polarising a part of your electorate has consequences

Erm and what government in any country doesn't do all of that? Besides its not about that at all, and I am sure you are well aware. Its more about brain washing with lies and promises, back hand payouts.

[rubl]

Consequence of PTV 24/7 hate speech broadcasting with every red-shirt now 'knowing' that Abhisit said "kill me some", is that the Pheu Thai-led government with a dozen UDD leaders as party list MPs can be seen as instrumental in blocking the opposition leader. Very democratically of course.

[473geo]

Not the Democrats refusal to take part in the "flash election" in order to void it then? Not the Courts decision to ban the Thai rak Thai party members but allow the Democrats to continue being a party because they conveniently felt to dissolve them would would create a difficult political void......seems a little too well scripted when you assess the actions that followed

[rubl]

Now that we are comparing apples and oranges again, I must admit that the case against the Democrat party where allegedly they had used too small election posters (because their supplier was forced to include VAT in the bill so some costs needed to be recovered) should have seen them disbanded. Asking for a detailed bill including VAT as item is definitively un-Thai.

Now back to the OP of the Pheu Thai-led government trying to push for an unclear amnesty bill, a bill which even has the blessing of the coup leader who's party is part of the government coalition.