Controversial Reconciliation Bill Officially Handed To Thai Parliament

[webfact]

Controversial reconciliation bill officially handed to Thai Parliament
By English News



BANGKOK, May 23 - Thailand's Pheu Thai party MPs officially submitted the highly-criticised reconciliation bill to Parliament today in a move to grant blanket amnesty for offenders in all political demonstrations since 2006.

Peerapan Palusuk, Pheu Thai MP from Yasothorn, led MPs in the government bloc to hand over the proposed legislation which was jointly signed by 163 lawmakers.

According to the bill, all offenders, whether supporters or protesters in the country’s political rallies since 2006 will be pardoned – a proposal which, Mr Peerapan said, is in accord with the government’s policy on national harmony.

Describing the bill as the first chapter of Thailand’s peace and happiness, he said the amnesty should cover all quarters, and not any specific group.

The Yasothorn MP said he believed the bill, comprising five articles, would not breach Section 309 of the constitution.

“An original article on financial compensation to those affected by political activities is omitted. This is not finance-related legislation. There is no mention of returning confiscated assets to former prime minister Thaksin (Shinawatra),” said Mr Peerapan.

Deputy House Speaker Charoen Chankomol said the proposed bill will be thoroughly checked before being added onto the parliamentary agenda.

A special parliamentary session is scheduled for next Wednesday to debate the government-sponsored budget bill. The reconciliation bill will not be slated for deliberation. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-05-23

[gl555]

And there goes any semblance of 'democracy'.

Time for a coup. A military junta beats a dictatorship led by a greedy, immoral piece of scum anytime.

[webfact]

Amnesty draft bill submitted to Deputy House Speaker

ฺBANGKOK, 23 May 2013 (NNT)-The Pheu Thai Party has already submitted its draft amnesty bill to the Parliament, saying everyone will benefit from it.

The bill has been submitted to Deputy House Speaker Chareon Chankomol in an effort to have it included in the parliamentary meeting.

According to the report, 163 Pheu Thai MPs have signed their names in support of the amnesty bill, saying everyone charged with legal actions related to the violence during Bloody May will be exonerated.

They claimed that the bill is also in line with the government’s policy in restoring unity in Thailand. The bill reportedly contains 5 sections although the clause regarding financial compensation for political victims has been removed, as the government has already implemented it.

The Pheu Thai MPs indicated the bill was by no means a financial law. They also denied the claim that the bill would enable Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra to reclaim his assets worth 46 billion baht, which was confiscated 3 years ago by the Court appointed by the junta.

Meanwhile, Mr. Charoen said further deliberation will be taken before ruling whether it will be considered along with 4 other similar bills now pending in the House, but assuring that it will not be among the topics to be debated during the extra-ordinary parliamentary meeting.


-- NNT 2013-05-23

[chainarong]

This bill was not a financial one, so that Thaksin would not have he's seized assets returned, this could possibly be so , that bill is to follow shortly Another shameful day in the life of the PTP and it's supporters, they've got their <deleted> burned with offences committed and now with the likely- hood of jail terms these brave outstanding men and women of Thailand have turned out to be gutless wonders . You do the crime , you do the time. You also put Thailand in the basket case category , as a country, that has very few scruples when it comes to democracy. Shame.

Edited May 23, 2013 by chainarong

[Thai at Heart]

They propose it on a Thursday before a long weekend?

Why particularly?

[JetsetBkk]

The Pheu Thai Party has already submitted its draft amnesty bill to the Parliament, saying everyone will benefit from it.

I presume that by "everyone" the PTP means everyone in the PTP will benefit from it.

[webfact]

Chalerm's reconciliation bill tabled in Parliament
Olan Lertrudtanadumrongkul,
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MPs Thursday tabled a national reconciliation bill drafted by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung for Parliament's deliberation, say the bill seeks amnesty for all political groups so that the country can move forward.

A group of 15 northeastern Pheu Thai MPs led by Peerapan Palusuk from Yasothon submitted the bill, which has been endorsed by 163 MPs, to Deputy House Speaker Charoen Chankomol. Charoen said the bill must undergo scrutiny, adding that if it were found to involve fiscal matters, it would needs the prime minister's endorsement.

The group of MPs, however, said that Article 5 of the original draft, which stated that those affected by the country's political conflicts would receive compensation, had been removed. They said the provision was not needed since the government has already started giving compensation to affected parties. Government critics view the provision's removal as an attempt to help the prime minister avoid shouldering any responsibility for the legislation. The prime minister is required to endorse all bills relating to fiscal issues.

The MPs held a press conference led by Peerapan, who dismissed criticism that Chalerm's bill aims to whitewash lawbreakers. He said the bill's aim is to bring about amnesty for people belonging to all the colour-coded political groups in order to defuse the nation's conflicts and allow the country to move forward.

Peerapan adamantly denied that Article 4 of the bill was written with a hidden agenda to return to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Bt46 billion in assets seized from him by the state. He said Thaksin could not get his money back through this bill, but only through a budget-related fiscal bill.

Peerapan said Chalerm's bill is not related to fiscal affairs, describing its content as similar to that of a bill drafted earlier by Matubhum party-list MP General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. That draft was found by the House Speaker and 35 House committees not to be related to fiscal matters and not to violate the Constitution.

He said it is possible that lawmakers would ask the House to urgently deliberate the bill. The first bill slated for deliberation on the House agenda when Parliament reconvenes on August 1 is the amnesty bill drafted by Pheu Thai Samut Prakarn MP Worachai Hema.

Asked if the Pheu Thai MPs were sincere about supporting the bill or were simply placating Thaksin, Peerapan said the move was not aimed at fooling anyone.

"The person who is most affected is Thaksin. If we are not sincere with him, how can we go on?" he said.

Asked how Pheu Thai would respond to the demands of red shirts who do not want to see those who ordered the deadly crackdown on their group's protests spared justice, Peerapan said the passage of the bill relies very much on ensuring amnesty for all sides, not just one side.

Friday, Chalerm plans to lead a group of politicians to make a public address on the bill at Udon Thani's Tung Sri Muang, which up to 70,000 people are expected to attend," Pheu Thai Udon Thani MP Anant Sripan said. "This will be like a new beginning, as the country will get to start all over again."

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Pornsan Liengboonlerschai said he did not believe the law would achieve reconciliation, as besides legal issues, reconciliation also involved social factors.


-- The Nation 2013-05-23

[Bellweather]

This bill was not a financial one, so that Thaksin would not have he's seized assets returned, this could possibly be so , that bill is to follow shortly Another shameful day in the life of the PTP and it's supporters, they've got their <deleted> burned with offences committed and now with the likely- hood of jail terms these brave outstanding men and women of Thailand have turned out to be gutless wonders . You do the crime , you do the time. You also put Thailand in the basket case category , as a country, that has very few scruples when it comes to democracy. Shame.

I have a sense of desperation creeping in so Mr. T must be banging the table for PTP to get on with it's only priority issue getting him back. Maybe TAT can market it as " come to Thailand during the summer and witness real riots first hand ".

[dickyknee]

I'm confused, who is reconciling with who?

when looking up the definition, it comes back:

"Process of matching and comparing figures from accounting records against those presented on a bank statement"

ah, the "Reconciliation Bill Officially Handed To Thai Parliament."

is that the bill for the rice?

[LuckyLew]

Good old Thailand

Such a bad idea ... They commited crimes ... and Thai Gov;t wants to give them all a get out of jail free card

Great, Thailand will be back to square one ... a 4th world undeveloped Banana Republic

Why not further and pardon every one with a criminal record

"So you only kille 5 people ... that is ok ... you can go free now"

"You only burned down 1 huge shopping mall .... that is ok .... you can go free now"

TIT

[Robby nz]

Should this go through then surely it will have farther implications.

For instance I understand that some of the criminal, sorry political, charges that are waiting for Thaksin include others so if he is let off then the others who are charged with him will also have to be let off.

Combine this with the cops suddenly finding out who burned Central World and it makes Monty Python look like the 6 Oclock news.

[Pib]

Describing the bill as the first chapter of Thailand’s peace and happiness, he said the amnesty should cover all quarters, and not any specific group.

And the second chapter will be titled, "Khun Thaksin Runs for Prime Minister"

[Neilly]

Asked if the Pheu Thai MPs were sincere about supporting the bill or were simply placating Thaksin, Peerapan said the move was not aimed at fooling anyone.

"The person who is most affected is Thaksin. If we are not sincere with him, how can we go on?" he said.

And that folks is the bottom line...forget all the fluff been blown about at the moment...Mr T is the one calling the shots and he wants to come back, collect his money and carry on as if nothing had ever happened

[ratcatcher]

Looks like almost everyone's gone to the beach or their mia noi.

With all the serious problems in the Kingdom i would have thought there'd be more bums warming the seats, but then again, this picture could have been taken at six o'clock in the morning.

[hellodolly]

"According to the bill, all offenders, whether supporters or protesters
in the country’s political rallies since 2006 will be pardoned"

That says nothing about amnesty for criminals.

I really don't like the idea but I don't really see any other way to bring about a reconciliation.

With an amnesty such as this one I think the red shirts would drop Thaksin like a hot potato.

Let him fight the criminal charges on his own.

[bigbamboo]

Describing the bill as the first chapter of Thailand’s peace and happiness, he said the amnesty should cover all quarters, and not any specific group.

And the second chapter will be titled, "Khun Thaksin Runs for Prime Minister"

Makes a change from "Khun Thaksin Runs."

[Mampara]

So the "DWANG" has finally hit the fan.

[Pi Sek]

I wonder how much stronger the PAD will get in the next couple of weeks.

[indyuk]

It is clear from the comments (articles) submitted here that the Social Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicoloured sympathisers do not want reconcilliation or Democracy. Instead many prefer another Toups de terre which would probably destroy Thailand's efforts to remain a credible member of the international comunity.

[ratcatcher]

It is clear from the comments (articles) submitted here that the Social Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicoloured sympathisers do not want reconcilliation or Democracy. Instead many prefer another Toups de terre which would probably destroy Thailand's efforts to remain a credible member of the international comunity.

What the "Social (?) Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicolored sympathizers" do want is a government in Parliament with the best interests of the Thai people at heart.

What a huge number of Thai people desire is a government that is not squandering hundreds of billions of baht on hair-brained scams schemes and destroying the future of the country.

I don't think anyone in their right mind sees a "coup d'etat" as the answer to the Kingdom's massive problems, but this maladministration is surely not doing what it should, since an inordinate amount of its time is spent on seeing the return of one Thaksin Shinawatra by any means.

His return, if it happens will make Ratchaprasong May 2010 seem like a Saturday afternoon barbecue at the neighbors.

Maladministration from wiki.

Delay

Incorrect action or failure to take any action

Failure to follow procedures or the law

Failure to provide information

Inadequate record-keeping

Failure to investigate

Failure to reply

Misleading or inaccurate statements

Inadequate liaison

Inadequate consultation

Broken promises

[creekside]

a 4th world undeveloped Banana Republic

"You only burned down 1 huge shopping mall .... that is ok .... you can go free now"

remain a credible member of the international comunity.

An interesting contradictory dichotomy of the same place. Any reconciliation of the descriptions?

Anyway, Chalerm's bill is headed for the trash as it was rejected by the de facto party leader. He is backing a different reconciliation bill, the one sponsored by PTP MP Worachai Hema. At least that is what he Skyped to Pheu Thai Party's Strategy Committee according to the Bangkok Post the day before yesterday.

[Neilly]

An interesting contradictory dichotomy of the same place. Any reconciliation of the descriptions?

Anyway, Chalerm's bill is headed for the trash as it was rejected by the de facto party leader. He is backing a different reconciliation bill, the one sponsored by PTP MP Worachai Hema. At least that is what he Skyped to Pheu Thai Party's Strategy Committee according to the Bangkok Post the day before yesterday.

If that man told me it was dark at night I'd still have to go out and check myself

[backtonormal]

I wonder how much stronger the PAD will get in the next couple of weeks.

The question we should ask is "who will be funding the strengthening of the facists". Their identity would speak volumes.

[hellodolly]

It is clear from the comments (articles) submitted here that the Social Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicoloured sympathisers do not want reconcilliation or Democracy. Instead many prefer another Toups de terre which would probably destroy Thailand's efforts to remain a credible member of the international comunity.

What the "Social (?) Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicolored sympathizers" do want is a government in Parliament with the best interests of the Thai people at heart.

What a huge number of Thai people desire is a government that is not squandering hundreds of billions of baht on hair-brained scams schemes and destroying the future of the country.

I don't think anyone in their right mind sees a "coup d'etat" as the answer to the Kingdom's massive problems, but this maladministration is surely not doing what it should, since an inordinate amount of its time is spent on seeing the return of one Thaksin Shinawatra by any means.

His return, if it happens will make Ratchaprasong May 2010 seem like a Saturday afternoon barbecue at the neighbors.

Maladministration from wiki.

Delay

Incorrect action or failure to take any action

Failure to follow procedures or the law

Failure to provide information

Inadequate record-keeping

Failure to investigate

Failure to reply

Misleading or inaccurate statements

Inadequate liaison

Inadequate consultation

Broken promises

Also a government that claims it is OK to lie if it makes people feel good.

Thailand is only one heart attack away from a real chance at reconciliation and a brighter future for the poor.

[OzMick]

I wonder how much stronger the PAD will get in the next couple of weeks.

The question we should ask is "who will be funding the strengthening of the facists". Their identity would speak volumes.

If they are going to throw the incumbent scum out of office, I'll chuck in B100.

[yoshiwara]

It is clear from the comments (articles) submitted here that the Social Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicoloured sympathisers do not want reconcilliation or Democracy. Instead many prefer another Toups de terre which would probably destroy Thailand's efforts to remain a credible member of the international comunity.

The only thing clear is that your understanding is limited. Just for starters the Yellow Shirts instructed their followers not to vote for the Democrats so your 'aka' goes straight into the bin. As for reconciliation the Thaksin apologist position(and that includes you) has as its core requirement the return of Thaksin and restoration of confiscated monies. Save us the irrelevant references to democracy.

[Noistar]

Good old Thailand

Such a bad idea ... They commited crimes ... and Thai Gov;t wants to give them all a get out of jail free card

Great, Thailand will be back to square one ... a 4th world undeveloped Banana Republic

Why not further and pardon every one with a criminal record

"So you only kille 5 people ... that is ok ... you can go free now"

"You only burned down 1 huge shopping mall .... that is ok .... you can go free now"

TIT

Perhaps this non-1st world country will finally adopt law-enforcement.

What are the police there for, if they are not "law enforcement officers"?

Good job the army are there to bail them out.

And so it will go on. Thailand forever looking in the mirror and never forward.

[philw]

It is clear from the comments (articles) submitted here that the Social Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicoloured sympathisers do not want reconcilliation or Democracy. Instead many prefer another Toups de terre which would probably destroy Thailand's efforts to remain a credible member of the international comunity.

The only thing clear is that your understanding is limited. Just for starters the Yellow Shirts instructed their followers not to vote for the Democrats so your 'aka' goes straight into the bin. As for reconciliation the Thaksin apologist position(and that includes you) has as its core requirement the return of Thaksin and restoration of confiscated monies. Save us the irrelevant references to democracy.

You might be right.

Why not give him his money back and solve the problem??

It was assessed and confiscated by doubtful means and it is his.

[OzMick]

It is clear from the comments (articles) submitted here that the Social Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicoloured sympathisers do not want reconcilliation or Democracy. Instead many prefer another Toups de terre which would probably destroy Thailand's efforts to remain a credible member of the international comunity.

The only thing clear is that your understanding is limited. Just for starters the Yellow Shirts instructed their followers not to vote for the Democrats so your 'aka' goes straight into the bin. As for reconciliation the Thaksin apologist position(and that includes you) has as its core requirement the return of Thaksin and restoration of confiscated monies. Save us the irrelevant references to democracy.

You might be right.

Why not give him his money back and solve the problem??

It was assessed and confiscated by doubtful means and it is his.

I have no doubt that Thaksin accrued his wealth through corruption, dodgy contracts, his monopoly on mobile phones, insider trading, and conflicts of interest. But you profess that after it is corruptly acquired/stolen, then it is "his".

Perhaps I live by a different code of ethics.

[whybother]

It is clear from the comments (articles) submitted here that the Social Democrats,aka yellow shirts and their multicoloured sympathisers do not want reconcilliation or Democracy. Instead many prefer another Toups de terre which would probably destroy Thailand's efforts to remain a credible member of the international comunity.

The only thing clear is that your understanding is limited. Just for starters the Yellow Shirts instructed their followers not to vote for the Democrats so your 'aka' goes straight into the bin. As for reconciliation the Thaksin apologist position(and that includes you) has as its core requirement the return of Thaksin and restoration of confiscated monies. Save us the irrelevant references to democracy.

You might be right.

Why not give him his money back and solve the problem??

It was assessed and confiscated by doubtful means and it is his.

.

It was his. It's not his any more.