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

[h90]

Any bets on who is going to win this one.

I bet that the man in Dubai who might be in Koh Chang at the moment will win this one.

[webfact]

UPDATE:
Thousands of protesters mass outside Thai parliament

BANGKOK, August 7, 2013 (AFP) - Around 2,000 Thai opposition supporters converged near parliament Wednesday, according to an AFP reporter at the scene, to protest against a controversial amnesty bill for political violence in the divided nation.

Hundreds of riot police carrying shields and batons barricaded the way to the parliament with concrete blocks and barbed wire, to prevent demonstrators reaching the building in the historic area of Bangkok.

The government of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been braced for the rally for several days, raising worries over the potential for fresh unrest in the politically-turbulent country as parliament gears up to debate an amnesty bill on Wednesday afternoon.

Opposition Democrat lawmakers, including the former prime minister and current party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, led supporters to the barricades some 200 metres (yards) from the legislature gates in a tense stand-off with police over whether the rally would be let through.

An AFP reporter at the scene saw three water cannon trucks and several large police vans behind the police lines.

"Why does this government want a whitewash for those who have violated human rights?" Abhisit said to reporters as he marched.

The Democrat protestors are targeting a government-backed bill, which proposes an amnesty for those involved in political violence since the military coup that toppled divisive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra nearly seven years ago.

The bill would scrap charges against protesters involved in incidents from the September 2006 coup until May 2012 -- barring the leaders.

But anti-government factions fear it will be manipulated by the ruling Peau Thai government to waive convictions against Thaksin.

Thailand has been riven by political tensions since the overthrow of Thaksin, premier Yingluck's brother, who lives abroad but still draws loyalty among the kingdom's poor, rural working class.

Mass demonstrations, often involving bloodshed, have become a recurrent feature of Thailand's febrile politics in recent years, with ultra-royalist nationalist "Yellow Shirts" and their pro-Thaksin "Red Shirt" foes both taking to the streets.

An attempt to introduce an amnesty bill last year was aborted after Yellow Shirts and ultra-nationalists -- who support the opposition Democrat Party -- rallied outside the legislature.

The Democrat protestors held an all-night rally a few kilometres from parliament.

A separate anti-government rally by the self-styled Thai People's Army has also been ongoing since Sunday in a downtown park, drawing hundreds of mainly middle-aged people.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-08-07

[Mosha]

A police friend informed me they have been stopping people from the south, heading to join the protests.

[h90]

A police friend informed me they have been stopping people from the south, heading to join the protests.

yes they also did so last time.....

[webfact]

POLITICS
March towards Parliament starts
The Nation


Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai stood side by side with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajia

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party's heavyweights on Wednesday are walking from Uruphong Intersection towards Parliament, accompanied by thousands of followers.

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai were seen beside Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajia.

At 11pm, they were stopped in the middle of Rajavithi Road. The politicians demanded negotiation with Bangkok Police Chief Pol Lt- General Camronwit Toopgrajank, for the permission to pass throug.

As Camronwit appeared, a protester thrown a water bottle at him. Saying that this could lead to commotion, he retreated to the police’s shelter.

At 11.38am, they were informed that only politicians could pass through.

At 11.49am, Democrat MP Suthep Thuagsuban told all protesters to leave.


-- The Nation 2013-08-07

[bigbamboo]

It turns out that the speculation over whether it was really Mr T who had been sighted on Koh Chang was scotched this morning when a well known former deputy PM who had been overheard in the bar of the island's most exclusive hotel repeatedly asking if it was actually a double received confirmation that it was and would he like ice with it.

[Dirk_brijs]

and you guys are upset with the little peanut criminals they have here (which by the way is our host right) in government????

hahaha

these guys are peanuts compared to the real criminals in all our governments

the funniest thing of it all is that we just watch and let it all happen as if we dont know????

Edited August 7, 2013 by Dirk_brijs

[TPI]

Just when I thought that the Country was coming good! When will the egomaniac remember he was born a Thai and will die a Thai...What a legacy to a proud name, to have probably caused a civil war between his brothers and sisters to salve his (already) dirtied pride!! What will his grandchildren think of him? Shame.

[webfact]

POLITICS
Democrat-led protest ends for now : Suthep
The Nation


Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai stood side by side with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajia

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat-led protest heading to the Parliament on Wednesday ended after police enforced Internal Security Act, prohibiting protesters from accompanying Democrat MPs to the Parliament.

Democrat leaders including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Suthep Thuagsuban led thousands of protesters from Urupong Intersection to the Parliament to protest against the amnesty bill.

They were blocked near Rajvithi Intersection and informed that the anti-government protesters were not allowed to go to the Parliament with Democrat MPs

City police commander Pol Col Wisarn Panmanee told the Democrat leaders that the order was issued City Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrajang and was in line with the enforcement of the ISA.

The Democrats' argument that the protesters had no weapons and would leave the area after the Democrat MPs entered the Parliament’s compound failed to convince the commander.

Suthep then announced to the protesters that they should go home as Kamronwit had forbidden them from going further.

He said the protesters would be back when the amnesty bill passes the third reading.


-- The Nation 2013-08-07

[kirk0233]

and you guys are upset with the little peanut criminals they have here (which by the way is our host right) in government????

hahaha

these guys are peanuts compared to the real criminals in all our governments

the funniest thing of it all is that we just watch and let it all happen as if we dont know????

Don't know about "peanuts", but the criminals in power are the worst of their kind in Thailand

[Dirk_brijs]

and you guys are upset with the little peanut criminals they have here (which by the way is our host right) in government????

hahaha

these guys are peanuts compared to the real criminals in all our governments

the funniest thing of it all is that we just watch and let it all happen as if we dont know????

Don't know about "peanuts", but the criminals in power are the worst of their kind in Thailand

In Thailand sure they are as all politicians are in the world

but compared with politicians in the world they are peanuts.

[ILOOKFORWORK]

It's a trade-off ... the military gets amnesty for 2010's crackdown and Taksin gets amnesty and can quietly come back to Thailand (although it probably won't be quiet). The general public is once again last on the priority list. red shirt, yellow shirt doesn't matter. it's all a distraction from what's really going on behind closed doors.

[SouthernMan3]

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.

If he is and people find out he will surely be harmed.

If I was him (thank Buddha I'm not) I would be scared...

[SouthernMan3]

A police friend informed me they have been stopping people from the south, heading to join the protests.

And this is called democracy ?

[Gonzo the Face]

Just when I thought that the Country was coming good! When will the egomaniac remember he was born a Thai and will die a Thai...What a legacy to a proud name, to have probably caused a civil war between his brothers and sisters to salve his (already) dirtied pride!! What will his grandchildren think of him? Shame.

Strange question,,,, but simple answer..... what his grandchildren will think of him rests most importantly on how much moola he leaves them.... simple as that

[SouthernMan3]

It's a trade-off ... the military gets amnesty for 2010's crackdown and Taksin gets amnesty and can quietly come back to Thailand (although it probably won't be quiet). The general public is once again last on the priority list. red shirt, yellow shirt doesn't matter. it's all a distraction from what's really going on behind closed doors.

If Mr. T shows up in Thailand amnesty or not he most likely will not live long.....

[tominbkk]

So has the amnesty bill come up yet? The Nation and The BP are sooo slow on updates. It's maddening sometimes.

[zydeco]

POLITICS

Democrat-led protest ends for now : Suthep

The Nation

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai stood side by side with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajia

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat-led protest heading to the Parliament on Wednesday ended after police enforced Internal Security Act, prohibiting protesters from accompanying Democrat MPs to the Parliament.

Democrat leaders including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Suthep Thuagsuban led thousands of protesters from Urupong Intersection to the Parliament to protest against the amnesty bill.

They were blocked near Rajvithi Intersection and informed that the anti-government protesters were not allowed to go to the Parliament with Democrat MPs

City police commander Pol Col Wisarn Panmanee told the Democrat leaders that the order was issued City Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrajang and was in line with the enforcement of the ISA.

The Democrats' argument that the protesters had no weapons and would leave the area after the Democrat MPs entered the Parliament’s compound failed to convince the commander.

Suthep then announced to the protesters that they should go home as Kamronwit had forbidden them from going further.

He said the protesters would be back when the amnesty bill passes the third reading.

-- The Nation 2013-08-07

What on earth were the Democrats thinking? They look timid, weak, and flaccid. They never should have started this march, just to end up looking so meek. Yes, T will win, because he is playing this game on an entirely different level. This looked absolutely pitiful.

Edited August 7, 2013 by Scott

[maapaa]

"Just when I thought that the Country was coming good! When will the egomaniac remember he was born a Thai and will die a Thai...What a legacy to a proud name, to have probably caused a civil war between his brothers and sisters to salve his (already) dirtied pride!! What will his grandchildren think of him? Shame."

Talking about Khun T.? Yes, shame on him!

[maapaa]

Watching "T News" now ... saw a man in a blue shirt down on the ground ... did not see why he was down, did not see what had happened ... armoured policemen around him ... the man on the ground appeared to be unconscious. Policemen provided "yaa domm" ... and minutes later somebody started to perform a kind of massage on the man`s arm and hand. WOW

Did anybody around around there ever hear anything about "first aid"? Or did anybody ever consider to deploy medical stuff around such a hot location?

Thailand ... Thailand

[h90]

POLITICS

Democrat-led protest ends for now : Suthep

The Nation

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai stood side by side with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajia

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat-led protest heading to the Parliament on Wednesday ended after police enforced Internal Security Act, prohibiting protesters from accompanying Democrat MPs to the Parliament.

Democrat leaders including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Suthep Thuagsuban led thousands of protesters from Urupong Intersection to the Parliament to protest against the amnesty bill.

They were blocked near Rajvithi Intersection and informed that the anti-government protesters were not allowed to go to the Parliament with Democrat MPs

City police commander Pol Col Wisarn Panmanee told the Democrat leaders that the order was issued City Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrajang and was in line with the enforcement of the ISA.

The Democrats' argument that the protesters had no weapons and would leave the area after the Democrat MPs entered the Parliament’s compound failed to convince the commander.

Suthep then announced to the protesters that they should go home as Kamronwit had forbidden them from going further.

He said the protesters would be back when the amnesty bill passes the third reading.

-- The Nation 2013-08-07

What on earth were the Democrats thinking? They look timid, weak, and flaccid. They never should have started this march, just to end up looking so meek. Yes, T will win, because he is playing this game on an entirely different level. This looked absolutely pitiful.

I am asking myself if they are pitiful or if that is just the opening of a great plan.

Something like:

1 Government don't let demonstrators vent their feelings Abhisit stays with the demonstrators

2 Abhisit warns the government that this is not good

3 government makes the law

4 a "spontaneous" uprising of the people

5 Abhisit looks like the calm one who told before and he did not brake any law.

But I am missing the point where Abhisit can portray himself a great able leader.....he more looks like a coward in this plan.

Or there is really no plan?

[fasteddie]

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.

"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"

Surely that's about the UK government.

[Cnxforever]

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?

the downfall of Thailand happened a long time ago - the Shinawatra family just shifted the status quo which the "old power clique" resents - all other countries in the area had their revolutions or where colonized Thailand has yet to have its revolution and Thaksin was clever enough to exploit this.

When will all of you finally get it ??? Power and money is all the players on both sides are interested in - there is no other reason whatever they might pretend!

NO Thai politician - whichever side they are on - NO army General gives a damn about the country and it's people - they are all here to fill their deep pockets! Looks like they have all the generals on their payroll with billions in bank accounts waiting for them - otherwise they (PT)would not move so bold now.

Since we have no say in this - sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

[scorecard]

POLITICS

Democrat-led protest ends for now : Suthep

The Nation

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai stood side by side with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajia

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat-led protest heading to the Parliament on Wednesday ended after police enforced Internal Security Act, prohibiting protesters from accompanying Democrat MPs to the Parliament.

Democrat leaders including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Suthep Thuagsuban led thousands of protesters from Urupong Intersection to the Parliament to protest against the amnesty bill.

They were blocked near Rajvithi Intersection and informed that the anti-government protesters were not allowed to go to the Parliament with Democrat MPs

City police commander Pol Col Wisarn Panmanee told the Democrat leaders that the order was issued City Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrajang and was in line with the enforcement of the ISA.

The Democrats' argument that the protesters had no weapons and would leave the area after the Democrat MPs entered the Parliament’s compound failed to convince the commander.

Suthep then announced to the protesters that they should go home as Kamronwit had forbidden them from going further.

He said the protesters would be back when the amnesty bill passes the third reading.

-- The Nation 2013-08-07

What on earth were the Democrats thinking? They look timid, weak, and flaccid. They never should have started this march, just to end up looking so meek. Yes, T will win, because he is playing this game on an entirely different level. This looked absolutely pitiful.

I am asking myself if they are pitiful or if that is just the opening of a great plan.

Something like:

1 Government don't let demonstrators vent their feelings Abhisit stays with the demonstrators

2 Abhisit warns the government that this is not good

3 government makes the law

4 a "spontaneous" uprising of the people

5 Abhisit looks like the calm one who told before and he did not brake any law.

But I am missing the point where Abhisit can portray himself a great able leader.....he more looks like a coward in this plan.

Or there is really no plan?

I don't see how you can make the statement "...looks like a coward...: from one photo grab.

It might be true that the dems / the 'get rid of thaksin' group are deliberately aiming for a 'gentle' image.

I don't know / you don't know!

[scorecard]

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?

the downfall of Thailand happened a long time ago - the Shinawatra family just shifted the status quo which the "old power clique" resents - all other countries in the area had their revolutions or where colonized Thailand has yet to have its revolution and Thaksin was clever enough to exploit this.

When will all of you finally get it ??? Power and money is all the players on both sides are interested in - there is no other reason whatever they might pretend!

NO Thai politician - whichever side they are on - NO army General gives a dam_n about the country and it's people - they are all here to fill their deep pockets! Looks like they have all the generals on their payroll with billions in bank accounts waiting for them - otherwise they (PT)would not move so bold now.

Since we have no say in this - sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

You say "...Thaksin was clever enough to exploit this...".

I say immoral enough to exploit this.

In fact I don't see that he's clever at all. His policies of mass handouts are pretty simple policies, but the difference

is that most people would not do this (on the paymasters scale) because it's simply immoral.

[WitawatWatawit]

"What on earth were the Democrats thinking? They look timid, weak, and flaccid. They never should have started this march, just to end up looking so meek. Yes, T will win, because he is playing this game on an entirely different level. This looked absolutely pitiful."

They proved that they are mature and intelligent and prepared to protest peacefully. You want pitiful? Just wait until the red elites take to the streets.

[Cnxforever]

POLITICS

Democrat-led protest ends for now : Suthep

The Nation

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai stood side by side with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajia

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat-led protest heading to the Parliament on Wednesday ended after police enforced Internal Security Act, prohibiting protesters from accompanying Democrat MPs to the Parliament.

Democrat leaders including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Suthep Thuagsuban led thousands of protesters from Urupong Intersection to the Parliament to protest against the amnesty bill.

They were blocked near Rajvithi Intersection and informed that the anti-government protesters were not allowed to go to the Parliament with Democrat MPs

City police commander Pol Col Wisarn Panmanee told the Democrat leaders that the order was issued City Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrajang and was in line with the enforcement of the ISA.

The Democrats' argument that the protesters had no weapons and would leave the area after the Democrat MPs entered the Parliament’s compound failed to convince the commander.

Suthep then announced to the protesters that they should go home as Kamronwit had forbidden them from going further.

He said the protesters would be back when the amnesty bill passes the third reading.

-- The Nation 2013-08-07

What on earth were the Democrats thinking? They look timid, weak, and flaccid. They never should have started this march, just to end up looking so meek. Yes, T will win, because he is playing this game on an entirely different level. This looked absolutely pitiful.

That's what they used to say about Ghandi.

are you comparing a gangster like Suthep and an oportunist like Abhisit to Ghandi??? That is an insult to Ghandi!

The only decent person I see on this picture is Chuan Leekpai! Who was and is for me the only honest Prime Minister Thailand ever had in recent history! And even he stumbled over the crooks and corrupt practices in his own party at the end!

[lifeincnx]

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?

Just one problem - the amnesty bill does not provide Thaksin any form of amnesty. In fact, it doesn't provide amnesty to any leaders of either the yellow shirt airport takeover or the red shirt Bangkok clashes.

The Democrat party, yellow shirt, or whatever name they've dreamed up this week (but still led by the same characters) do not want any form of reconciliation. After all, that would lead to ... Democracy.

[Anon999]

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?

I would not. A criminal is a criminal whatever his net worth I would not associate with him let alone want to benefit from his ill gotten gains.

[Lite Beer]

Opposition objects to concluding debate today
By English News

BANGKOK, Aug 7 – The opposition Democrat Party will launch a counter attack if the government insists on wrapping up the debate on the amnesty bill within today, a party executive said.

Prasert Pongsuwansiri, an opposition whip and Yala MP, said the Democrat Party would exercise its right to the full in the debate despite a timeframe set by the government whip to unwind it by today.

Parliamentary debate on the widely-protested amnesty bill is due to start at 1 pm today despite anti-legislation rallies on Bangkok’s streets by disgruntled activists.

Mr Prasert said the Democrat Party would have its measure ready if the government bloc stubbornly rams the bill through the first reading by today.

He would not elaborate but said the measure would be disclosed in due time.

He said the Democrats would ask the House to allow a live broadcast of the debate via the state-run Channel 11, adding that the telecast would not be a breach of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Metropolitan police spokesman Adul Narongsak said the overall situation at the two rally sites on Urupong Road and Lumpini Park was calm this morning.

Democrat MPs, led by party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and accompanied by a huge group of protesters, went on foot from the Urupong rally site to Parliament this morning.

The MPs were allowed to pass the barricade but escorted civilians were barred by police who said they were ordered not to allow “outsiders” from approaching the Parliament premise.

Meanwhile, leaders of the People’s Army against Thaksin Regime declared that they would remain at Lumpini Park rally site instead of moving to Parliament given a low turnout of protesters.

Police said about 700 people rallied at Lumpini this morning.

PATR core leader Taikorn Polsuwan said his group was closely monitoring the Democrat Party’s move from Urupong to Parliament and its negotiation with police to allow a group of civilians into the off-limits area under the ISA enforcement.

Three districts of Pomprab Satrupai, Dusit and Phra Nakhon have been declared off-limits by the government which has invokes the ISA in the area on August 1-10.

Mr Taikorn would not commit if the PATR would lead demonstrators from Lumpini and called on protesters to be patient while waiting for their fellow activists who would join them later in the day. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-08-07