Thai amnesty bill push likely to ease red-shirt pressure

[webfact]

ANALYSIS
Amnesty bill push likely to ease red-shirt pressure
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation

Decision seen as a move to pre-empt any political chaos

BANGKOK: -- The decision by the Pheu Thai Party and the government whips to put the amnesty bill proposed by red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema at the top of the agenda for the upcoming House session was a calculated move.

While it reduces pressure on the government from the red shirts, the administration can pre-empt any political turmoil by saying it will not rush or take short cuts in the legislation process. That means the process could be halted at any time if it faces obstacles. In the meantime, the government can go ahead with financial bills to fund its projects.

In light of the government whips' decision, academics agreed that any changes made to Worachai's draft of the law during the second reading of the deliberation process, and political movements outside the Parliament, will now be the critical points in Thai politics.

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Chaiyan Chaiyaporn said he agreed with making the amnesty bill a priority item on the House of Representatives agenda, as this has long been a demand made by the red shirts at their rallies. The decision at least showed to the red shirts that the Pheu Thai Party had taken some action to help them. It would therefore get the red shirts' support, Chaiyan said.

"Regarding the political activities outside Parliament, the anti-government groups like Pitak Siam will rally anyway, and they have many issues to protest about, whether or not the amnesty bill is pushed as a priority. The only question is whether the number of protesters will be huge," he said.

It is now up to the government to try to explain to the people that the amnesty bill is not intended to help fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while the details of the bill can be worked out during the deliberation process, he said. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether the anti-government groups will be able to mobilise protesters.

If there are a lot of anti-government protesters, the red shirts would be there to support the government, Chaiyan said. And if there were to be a House dissolution, the red shirts would still vote for Pheu Thai in the next election, he said.

Chaiyan's colleague Trakoon Meechai agreed that the move reduced pressure on Pheu Thai from the red shirts, allowing it to work on other legislation, such as the Bt2-trillion loan bill, more easily.

However, he said there were still questions surrounding the Pheu Thai Party, such as whether the various drafts of the bills reflected a lack of unity in the party.

Another question, Trakoon said, was whether the "vagueness", "problems" and "chaos" that have surrounded this legislation had been foreseen, and whether the party had intended to use them as a reason for eventually issuing the law as an emergency decree, as was apparently discussed in a recently leaked audio clip.

Trakoon was referring to an audio clip of a conversation between Thaksin and a person believed by some to be Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha.

Trakoon asked why the party reserved its support for Worachai's draft, when other MPs had also proposed their own versions of amnesty or reconciliation laws.

The party had ignored a draft proposed by Payao Akahad and other relatives of the victims of the 2010 political turmoil, he said.

Worachai's draft would give amnesty to people charged with criminal offences, except the leaders who decided on or ordered political movements.

Meanwhile, Payao's draft refuses amnesty to the leaders and to those whose conduct was intended to hurt others through the use of weapons, those who aimed to damage others' private property or deprive them of it, or people involved in excessive conduct.

The Democrat Party has backed Payao's draft, and Payao has sought support from the Bhum Jai Thai Party. If the party agrees to support it, its MPs might sign up to submit the draft to Parliament. In that case, passing Worachai's bill would be more complicated, Trakoon said.

"During parliamentary deliberation, all the [different] proposals might be accepted for consideration. It could be critical this time, when groups in society will come out and voice their stances.

"It will likely be quite hectic on the days of deliberation. The bill will not be passed quickly. Otherwise, people will have another question to ask, about why the law was hastily passed," he said.

"The objective of this law is to create unity. But if legislators just claim a majority vote and pass the law without reaching a consensus, the problems will remain unsolved," Trakoon said, adding that some progressive Pheu Thai figures had told him that a person deserved amnesty only when he or she conceded having done something wrong.

Thammasat University vice rector Prinya Thaewanarumitkul said the second reading of the amnesty bill would be very important, and the government must create a climate of trust among legislators.


-- The Nation 2013-07-26

[Tatsujin]

They're still claiming that none of these "amnesty" proposals will benefit Thaksin? I find it ludicrous that they expect anyone to believe that they would support anything that doesn't directly benefit him.

As always, there is a very simple answer to reconciliation ... stop being a thieving coward, come back, appeal the conviction, spend a little time behind bars, job done.

But no ... that will never happen. The ego and arrogance of that man is just too big.

[MILT]

.....And maybe the fact that if he spends even 1 min. in jail on any of the charges against him, The big "T" can never ever enter polotics again.

[rijb]

They're still claiming that none of these "amnesty" proposals will benefit Thaksin? I find it ludicrous that they expect anyone to believe that they would support anything that doesn't directly benefit him.

As always, there is a very simple answer to reconciliation ... stop being a thieving coward, come back, appeal the conviction, spend a little time behind bars, job done.

But no ... that will never happen. The ego and arrogance of that man is just too big.

Maybe he should wear a mask...

[h90]

.....And maybe the fact that if he spends even 1 min. in jail on any of the charges against him, The big "T" can never ever enter polotics again.

Of course he can enter politics again, only need to change the law for it.

Beside that he is still in politics.

[Captain_Bob]

"Maybe he should wear a mask"

He already does. Lil' Sister's "beautiful" face. Plenty of smoke and mirrors to boot.

[realenglish1]

This issue is far greater than Thaksin. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

Edited July 26, 2013 by realenglish1

[OzMick]

This issue is far greater than Thaksin. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

Nice sentiment. But the question is whether arson is a legitimate of political expression, or the criminal act of a bunch of retarded dummy-spitters kicking their toys out of the pram when they don't get their own way, and the mega-bucks promised by Thaksin to those coerced into "donating" to the red shirt cause.

Now you might have a fire protection system in your house, but N-Eastern Thais that I know, who both support Thaksin and reluctantly "donated", were not at all happy that their district offices, and particularly a fire-engine, were destroyed. They see those as assets belonging to people not involved in the fight, and have no problem with the arsonists being incarcerated, whatever the colour of their shirts.

[ramrod711]

Trakoon was referring to an audio clip of a conversation between Thaksin and a person believed by some to be Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha.

I'm really tired of hearing this phrase, Thaksin was on one end of the conversation, let Yuthasak grow a sack and admit it was him on the other end. As far as i can see this government specializes in avoiding answering any questions at all, hoping that the electorate will forget everything.

[tomross46]

This issue is far greater than Thaksin. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

How can our children have prosperity, when the corrupt politicians are putting the nation into debt. Our children and children s children will be paying for the amount of money going to Bentley's illegally imported.

[robertson468]

Am I the only one who sees a "big dummy pass" coming up to somehow include amnesty for Khun Thaskin in this bill? I hope they don't try it because I feel sure that at that stage, all hell will break loose, and for what? The sake of one man against the security of the population of Thailand. Totally unjustifiable.

[Neilly]

It is now up to the government to try to explain to the people that the amnesty bill is not intended to help fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra

[Robby nz]

And then we have this lovely little bit of truth for a change.

If there are a lot of anti-government protesters, the red shirts would be there to support the government,

The meaning is clear, if too many people come out in opposition the red shirts will be called on to "disperse" them.

And that would not be done without a lot of blood.

[scorecard]

.....And maybe the fact that if he spends even 1 min. in jail on any of the charges against him, The big "T" can never ever enter polotics again.

Unless of course he orders his cronies and leeches change the law, and would put it past him?

[scorecard]

.....And maybe the fact that if he spends even 1 min. in jail on any of the charges against him, The big "T" can never ever enter polotics again.

Unless of course he orders his cronies and leeches to change the law, and would put it past him, he's done it before, without hesitation.

Edited July 26, 2013 by scorecard

[realenglish1]

This issue is far greater than Thaksin. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

How can our children have prosperity, when the corrupt politicians are putting the nation into debt. Our children and children s children will be paying for the amount of money going to Bentley's illegally imported.

One does not have to do with the other Stick to the topic. This will have no effect on your children but unity does and it needs to be a priority here in Thailand then tackle corruption One step at a time my friend one step at a time

[Noistar]

Trakoon was referring to an audio clip of a conversation between Thaksin and a person believed by some to be Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha.

I'm really tired of hearing this phrase, Thaksin was on one end of the conversation, let Yuthasak grow a sack and admit it was him on the other end. As far as i can see this government specializes in avoiding answering any questions at all, hoping that the electorate will forget everything.

I think the electorate, certainly those in the North, would say in all seriousness. "Forget what?"

[Noistar]

Am I the only one who sees a "big dummy pass" coming up to somehow include amnesty for Khun Thaskin in this bill? I hope they don't try it because I feel sure that at that stage, all hell will break loose, and for what? The sake of one man against the security of the population of Thailand. Totally unjustifiable.

Red apologists input?

[Anon999]

Trakoon was referring to an audio clip of a conversation between Thaksin and a person believed by some to be Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha.

I'm really tired of hearing this phrase, Thaksin was on one end of the conversation, let Yuthasak grow a sack and admit it was him on the other end. As far as i can see this government specializes in avoiding answering any questions at all, hoping that the electorate will forget everything.

I think the electorate, certainly those in the North, would say in all seriousness. "Forget what?"

Not all by any means.

[OzMick]

This issue is far greater than Thaksin. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

How can our children have prosperity, when the corrupt politicians are putting the nation into debt. Our children and children s children will be paying for the amount of money going to Bentley's illegally imported.

One does not have to do with the other Stick to the topic. This will have no effect on your children but unity does and it needs to be a priority here in Thailand then tackle corruption One step at a time my friend one step at a time

How does releasing persons justifiably seen as arsonists, and convicted as such, as a stepping stone to getting amnesty for those guilty of more serious crimes, promote unity? Is there any proof that the vast majority of Thais want this?

Edited July 26, 2013 by OzMick

[OzMick]

double hit

Edited July 26, 2013 by OzMick

[hellodolly]

This issue is far greater than Thaksin. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

I agree with you. Why can not the government do that. there is no real opposition to the amnesty law put forth by the relatives of the slain nurse. The opposition backs it even though it would mean Abhist still has to go to court for murder charges. He backs it.

Seems like the only opposition is from the existing government because it does not white wash Thaksin.

They say

"It is now up to the government to try to explain to the people that the amnesty bill is not intended to help fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra,"

His white wash job will just be a byproduct of the bill.

Why explain it just delete him from it.

This however will not really help the country in other ways with the depth of corruption there is no chance what so ever.

To Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. The depth of the corruption must end. Right now they are proposing a 2.2 Trillion baht loan that will keep you and your children and there children in debt for 50 years. that is just one of the proposals to put the people in Debt. Seems like they come up with some thing every year to deepen the countries debt.

I have no use what so ever for the red shirts. But the ones still sitting in Jail have served their time let them out and put the leaders who are still out in Jail.

[hellodolly]

. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

How can our children have prosperity, when the corrupt politicians are putting the nation into debt. Our children and children s children will be paying for the amount of money going to Bentley's illegally imported.

One does not have to do with the other Stick to the topic. This will have no effect on your children but unity does and it needs to be a priority here in Thailand then tackle corruption One step at a time my friend one step at a time

How does releasing persons justifiably seen as arsonists, and convicted as such, as a stepping stone to getting amnesty for those guilty of more serious crimes, promote unity? Is there any proof that the vast majority of Thais want this?

Do they have any one in Jail for the arson charges in Bangkok or Chiang Maia?

There is lots of proof that people want unity. Unfortunately it has to be done their way you can see them they all wear red shirts.

In order for unity and peace to come corruption must stop. As long as it remains the prime mover of the Government there will be no peace or unity. It has been said that This issue is far greater than Thaksin.

Yes it is but he is the one standing in the way of dealing with any of the other issues.

To white wash him would set your great, great, great, great Grandchildren back.

[Noistar]

Trakoon was referring to an audio clip of a conversation between Thaksin and a person believed by some to be Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha.

I'm really tired of hearing this phrase, Thaksin was on one end of the conversation, let Yuthasak grow a sack and admit it was him on the other end. As far as i can see this government specializes in avoiding answering any questions at all, hoping that the electorate will forget everything.

I think the electorate, certainly those in the North, would say in all seriousness. "Forget what?"

Not all by any means.

You seem to have a generous view of political engagement of the people in the north.

Bear in mind this is the 'power' base of the red faction which keeps ensuring a Thaksin government.

My firm opinion is that the uneducated electorate don't know what elections mean and people I meet, don't have any interest in politics. It is in Thaksin's interests to keep it this way.

I don't have hundreds or thousands of examples, but where I live and where my in-laws live, give me an insight that I don't believe living in the privileged areas of CM would.

[Tatsujin]

This issue is far greater than Thaksin. It is about helping to unify the county and bring peace and stability. Whether you are a red shirt supporter or Yellow Shirt or Thanksin supporter does not matter any more

Move on and bring prosperity and a real future for your children and children's children. Its time to heal the wounds Stop blaming the other guy

I like the sentiment, and in a perfect world (not Thailand) that might actually happen. Here however, I think you're dreaming. The division and problems here are just too deep and it's not all about "Thaksin", a lot of it under the surface is about "class" and division of wealth and power. Some of you here will know what I mean as I can't elaborate further. Just look at who the Privy Councillor is supposedly financing/supporting and that will give some clues.