Thai amnesty bill: Fears of major clash if rivals face off at House

[webfact]

CONTROVERSIAL AMNESTY BILL
Fears of major clash if rivals face off at House
The Nation


A crowd-control police unit is stationed at Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue to guard Government House from possible intrusion by anti-government protesters.

Supporters of both sides massing, as Democrats endorse march to Parliament

BANGKOK: -- A political confrontation is looming between pro- and anti-government mobs, with Democrat Party MPs having decided yesterday to lead a group of supporters today to Parliament House, which is protected by a huge police force and controls imposed under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The opposition's stance of combining street protests with its legislative efforts became clearer when Phatthalung MP Niphit Intharasombat said that future Democrat rallies against the Pheu Thai-led government's push for an amnesty bill might be held jointly at Lumpini Park. There is now a large rally at this site by an anti-Thaksin Shinawatra movement.

Several pro-government red-shirt groups are travelling to the capital to show support for the government and the bill, which would seek pardons for many pro-Thaksin protesters indicted for violence and crimes committed during the riots in Bangkok three years ago.

Supporters of the so-called People's Army gathering in the provinces are expected to arrive in Bangkok today, when the bill is submitted to Parliament for its first reading.

The People's Army, which has the tag "To Overthrow the Thaksin Regime", said yesterday that it would heighten the scale of its rally by 9am today. The rally leader, retired Admiral Chai Suwannapharb, said all tactics and moves of organisers needed to remain secret, but people keen to know what the protest plans would be were welcome to join the rally.

Police spokesman Maj-General Piya Uthayo said there would be no further estimates on the number of anti-government protesters today, but he said an intelligence report noted that both sides were gathering a mass of supporters. An extra deployment would be made available - some six more units in total - to cope with the increasing number of people in each group, he said.

Speaking onstage at the anti-Thaksin People's Army rally on Monday night, Niphit announced: "I now call on brothers and sisters of the Democrat Party to gather here.

"I also call on the brave to test the ISA, by converging outside Parliament House to give me support," the MP said. "If you cannot enter the [iSA-imposed] zone, give me a call. Parliament debates [scrutinising the bill] are open to the public, and the ISA does not prohibit a peaceful gathering in the [iSA-imposed] zone," he said.

Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtaey, said all Democrat MPs would lead a group supporters to the Parliament at 9am, and would ask policemen guarding the Parliament whether the supporters could get in the compound. "This is a symbolic measure signifying the Democrats' fight [against the bill], both inside and outside the Parliament, as they would not violate the law," he added.

At a party rally in Bangkok's Uruphong area on Monday, fellow Democrat MP Suthep Thuagsuban vowed to stage a rally around the clock to "show off the people's power" to the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. He said all Democrat MPs would "continue the fight outside the Parliament" if any person attending this rally sustained a scratch from police action. That was because the location - a public space under an elevated expressway - is outside the ISA zone, declared over three districts in Bangkok where Government House and Parliament are located.

Opposition whip and Democrat MP Jurin Laksanavisit said there would be no agreement made with the government on the duration of scrutiny or sessions of debate, as it would be useless to seek a time frame fixed by the government from 1pm to 11pm. He said a request would be made through the House Speaker and the PM for a live telecast of the House debate on the pardon bill.

Meanwhile, a group of red shirts visited the Democrat headquarters on Setsiri Road yesterday to call for support for the pardon bill.


-- The Nation 2013-08-07

[Robby nz]

So this is what reconciliation looks like, always did wonder.

Saw a quote from someone somewhere, don't remember who :

Many may wonder what kind of government we have which cares only about its own stability and personalised agenda, and completely ignores the suffering its actions cause to people at large.

Looks about right.

[Sunderland]

Reconciliation . ... hahaha.

Not sure we are going to see the huge numbers that will force any kind of change, but the day will be interesting if Abhisit and fellow democrat MPs do indeed carry out what was reported yesterday and march to Parliament with a group of supporters and demand to enter Parliament grounds. A potentially dangerous moment that could set things off. One nasty incident and we could have mayhem on the streets with the red army waiting in the wings somewhere.

You would hope that common sense would prevail on all sides, but sadly there isn't much of that around.

[webfact]

Bangkok braces for anti-Thaksin protests
Thai police deploy 30,000 officers in response to protest over amnesty bill that opponents fear could lead to ex-PM's return

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's capital has closed schools, deployed thousands of police and invoked temporary security powers in preparation for planned protests on Wednesday against an amnesty bill that opponents fear could lead to the return of the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The bill, proposed by the ruling Pheu Thai party, is highly contentious as it would broadly absolve those arrested, charged and prosecuted for political activities after the 2006 military coup that overthrew Thaksin.

It would not provide amnesty to protest leaders or government authorities, but opponents fear that it could be stretched to clear the return of Thaksin, who was charged with conflict of interest after his ousting and sentenced to two years' imprisonment.

Thaksin has avoided the charges by living in self-exile abroad, although it is widely believed that he still leads the country by proxy through his sister Yingluck, the current prime minister.

On Sunday about 1,000 people turned out in Bangkok for a peaceful protest organised by a group known as the People's Army against the Thaksin Regime. Organisers hope for a far greater turnout on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/06/bangkok-anti-thaksin-protests-thailand

-- The Guardian 2013-08-07

[NongKhaiKid]

The mandatory war room has been set up of course but there's an interesting article in the other paper where the People's Army claim the real war room is on Koh Chang and Mr. T himself is in command.

The PA say a private plane arrived in secrecy at Trat and a VIP, under heavy security, was taken by speedboat to the island.

I know Thailand is the hub of wild and exaggerated claim but why not ?

[lemoncake]

Perhaps tanks and army did move around for a good reason and not just because they had to

[NongKhaiKid]

Perhaps tanks and army did move around for a good reason and not just because they had to

It may be nothing but the footage I saw of the movements they were not using transporters.

[jcb2001]

It sure would be nice if Thailand had some good investigative reporters. If I'm not mistaken, I think Koh Chang is owned by Thaksin. It wouldn't surprise me if he was there.

[sscsamui]

It seems if Mr T is granted Amnesty though the amnesty bill that would be the crime of the century. No one should be granted amnesty in my view. Do the crime do the time... simple as that....

[northernjohn]

It sure would be nice if Thailand had some good investigative reporters. If I'm not mistaken, I think Koh Chang is owned by Thaksin. It wouldn't surprise me if he was there.

The chances of Thaksin getting a complete white wash and Abhist being hung are better than the chances of Thailand getting a good investigative reporter.

[rijit]

It sure would be nice if Thailand had some good investigative reporters. If I'm not mistaken, I think Koh Chang is owned by Thaksin. It wouldn't surprise me if he was there.

Yep, the thai jorno's i know, admittedly are better than average thais, but bottom line,they still think there aint any need for foreigners to question or understand Thai politics,.so no need to investigate, as .thais understand it

[huanga]

how in the hell can:

reconciliation = amnesty = clash ?

[dudu]

how in the hell can:

reconciliation = amnesty = clash ?

TIT = Clash = amnesty = reconciliation = Clash = Clash = reconciliation = Clash = mai pen rai....

[webfact]

Thailand's political showdown today
By English News



BANGKOK, Aug 7 – Thailand plunges into a further quandary today as the government moves head-on with a parliamentary debate on the highly-criticised amnesty bill as adamant protesters vow to fight against the legislation with no turning back.

Bannawit Kengrian, a core leader of the People’s Army against Thaksin Regime (PATR), said contacts have been made with several allied networks to widen today’s rally which should see a turnout of at least 20,000 demonstrators.

“There is no turning back. We will not disclose our strategy. We will upgrade the rally and make a multi-pronged movement. We have constantly contacted Democrat members at the other rally site (in the Urupong area),” said the retired navy officer.

Admiral Bannawit said at least 20,000 tear gas protection masks have been prepared for protesters as it was believed that police would shoot tear gas canisters into the demonstrators.

“We have assigned our people to infiltrate and observe many of the spots where we will ‘attack’. We will choose the right timing in making the move,” he said.

The PATR has rallied at Lumpini Park since Sunday.

A loudspeaker-equipped truck has been ready to lead the demonstrators from Lumpini today.

The Centre of the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has not objected to the PATR’s move from Lumpini Park but sternly warned its members against entering the three districts of Phra Nakhon, Pomprab Satrupai and Dusit – declared off-limits under the Internal Security Act. Government House and parliament are located in the off-limits zone.

CAPO spokesman Piya Utayo said an additional 32 companies of police have been deployed in the three restricted districts with an emphasis on Parliament while coordination has been made with the three armed forces to seek their assistance in case of emergency.

Checkpoints will be set up to search for weapons and entrances to Parliament will be sealed off while demonstrators will be strictly barred from disrupting the parliamentary debate, he said.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra instructed authorities to ensure that lawmakers are able to enter Parliament to join the debate.

“I just have one vote as an MP. In the House, decision belongs to the House speaker,” she said. “I will join the debate as it is my duty to do so.”

Democrat executive Satit Wongnhongtaey said party MPs would jointly walk to Parliament House to attend today’s session and people would be urged to accompany them – a display of protest against the amnesty bill.

Civilians who escort the Democrat MPs will seek the authorities’ permission to enter the off-limits area without violating the law, he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-08-07

[webfact]

Democrat party and anti-government protesters leave for the Parliament at 9.20am
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party members and anti-government protesters left Urupong Intersection in Ratchathevi district, heading to the Parliament that is scheduled to consider the controversial amnesty bill.

Democrat leaders; Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Banyat Banthatthan led the procession.

Democrat’s Suthep Thuangsuban told reporters before leaving that the protest would be peaceful. The protesters were told to carry no weapons.

If police do not allow the protesters to accompany Democrat MPs to be near the parliament compound because of enforcement of the Internal Security Act, Suthep said, his MPs would tell them that they are peaceful protesters and no weapons.


-- The Nation 2013-08-07

[webfact]

RT @richardbarrow: 9:40am Demcorat supporters march along Rama 6 under the expressway (Pic @INchannel90) http://t.co/AOowXVU8sx

[Soi Dog]

So this is what reconciliation looks like, always did wonder.

Saw a quote from someone somewhere, don't remember who :

Many may wonder what kind of government we have which cares only about its own stability and personalised agenda, and completely ignores the suffering its actions cause to people at large.

Looks about right.

I believe that quote could have applied to the Abhisit government as well.

[edwinchester]

Quote YS "I will join the debate as it is my duty to do so".

So there you have it. Absent from most parliamentary discussions but when it involves amnesty for Big Brother then family duty comes to the fore.

Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[northernjohn]

So this is what reconciliation looks like, always did wonder.

Saw a quote from someone somewhere, don't remember who :

Many may wonder what kind of government we have which cares only about its own stability and personalised agenda, and completely ignores the suffering its actions cause to people at large.

Looks about right.

I believe that quote could have applied to the Abhisit government as well.

and some people believe the earth is flat.

[Johnnie99]

What's all the fuss about ... if your brother was a convicted criminal, and also worth billions of USD, and you became Prime Minister, wouldn't you change the law to grant him an amnesty?

Who wouldn't?

[scorecard]

So this is what reconciliation looks like, always did wonder.

Saw a quote from someone somewhere, don't remember who :

Many may wonder what kind of government we have which cares only about its own stability and personalised agenda, and completely ignores the suffering its actions cause to people at large.

Looks about right.

I believe that quote could have applied to the Abhisit government as well.

"I believe that quote could have applied to the Abhisit government as well."

Don't agree at all!

[DtemJai]

Watch BLUESKY TV live here...regards to topic here. http://www.tvjaa.com/stream/blueskychannel.html

[spectrumisgreen]

Reconciliation . ... hahaha.

Not sure we are going to see the huge numbers that will force any kind of change, but the day will be interesting if Abhisit and fellow democrat MPs do indeed carry out what was reported yesterday and march to Parliament with a group of supporters and demand to enter Parliament grounds. A potentially dangerous moment that could set things off. One nasty incident and we could have mayhem on the streets with the red army waiting in the wings somewhere.

You would hope that common sense would prevail on all sides, but sadly there isn't much of that around.

The 'leaders' will lead their 'followers' in, as usual to use them as a battering ram against their hated - 'we want our turn in power back!' - opponents and quickly hide away while those poor sheep (who they care nothing about!!), mostly who probably don't have much of a clue what they are protesting about anyway (always more a 'LOVE us HATE WITH ALL YOUR HEART them' mobilisation of the masses really!), quite possibly to come to harm and so those same leaders can pop their heads out again to say,.. "See? We told you what an evil lot they were.. are we not therefore proved righteous again in all things?!!"... Common sense? Common apathy towards the common people by those who wish themselves back in the corridors of power (and more money!) more like!!! Why do you think they send the people in, stating beforehand that it'll be a 'peaceful' demonstration and yet never use their microphones and huge PA systems to tell those same people to cool it or to back off when things go crazy, just to incite!!! Reds and Yellows? Bees and wasps.. they both sting especially in big numbers!!!!!!!...

[biplanebluey]

It sure would be nice if Thailand had some good investigative reporters. If I'm not mistaken, I think Koh Chang is owned by Thaksin. It wouldn't surprise me if he was there.

No it wasn't Taksin------- it was the Monk-------- you thought he was coming to Nong Khai-------- HA HA FOOLED YA

[tominbkk]

The mandatory war room has been set up of course but there's an interesting article in the other paper where the People's Army claim the real war room is on Koh Chang and Mr. T himself is in command.

The PA say a private plane arrived in secrecy at Trat and a VIP, under heavy security, was taken by speedboat to the island.

I know Thailand is the hub of wild and exaggerated claim but why not ?

Haha this is becoming an Austin Powers movie...

[JGirl28]

Quote YS "I will join the debate as it is my duty to do so".

So there you have it. Absent from most parliamentary discussions but when it involves amnesty for Big Brother then family duty comes to the fore.

couldn't agree more !!

[Robby nz]

The 'leaders' will lead their 'followers' in, as usual to use them as a battering ram against their hated - 'we want our turn in power back!' - opponents and quickly hide away while those poor sheep (who they care nothing about!!), mostly who probably don't have much of a clue what they are protesting about anyway (always more a 'LOVE us HATE WITH ALL YOUR HEART them' mobilisation of the masses really!), quite possibly to come to harm and so those same leaders can pop their heads out again to say,.. "See? We told you what an evil lot they were.. are we not therefore proved righteous again in all things?!!"... Common sense? Common apathy towards the common people by those who wish themselves back in the corridors of power (and more money!) more like!!! Why do you think they send the people in, stating beforehand that it'll be a 'peaceful' demonstration and yet never use their microphones and huge PA systems to tell those same people to cool it or to back off when things go crazy, just to incite!!! Reds and Yellows? Bees and wasps.. they both sting especially in big numbers!!!!!!!...

So where are the Dem MP's at present?

Looks like they are at the front of the group heading for parliament.

A contrast from the red leaders who lead from a safe distance behind, particularly the big boss who leads from the other side of the world.

[tuky]

The Shinawatra family will truly be the downfall of Thailand.

There can be no peace, no reconciliation as long as that family reside in Thailand.

Haven't they got it through their thick skulls yet?

Or does that family have bigger plans that cannot be spoken of?

[X pat]

Any bets on who is going to win this one.

[h90]

The Shinawatra family will truly be the downfall of Thailand.

There can be no peace, no reconciliation as long as that family reside in Thailand.

Haven't they got it through their thick skulls yet?

Or does that family have bigger plans that cannot be spoken of?

Well Thaksin son spoke about it when drunk.....can't tell it here because against the forum rules, but sure somewhere on the internet are still traces of it....