Thai Democrats pleased with 'symbolic' fight against bill

[webfact]

POLITICS
Democrats pleased with 'symbolic' fight against bill
Hataikarn Treesuwan,
Tanatpong Kongsai
The Nation



Opposition party says it's goal has been accomplished and people alerted

BANGKOK: -- The Democrats are happy with their symbolic anti-government challenge yesterday, although the rally was dispersed before noon, a Democrat source said.

According to a key Democrat member, the opposition party had accomplished its goal with a symbolic fight against the amnesty bill, confirming the number of supporters and alerting the community to keep a close eye on the deliberations.

Thousands of Democrat supporters who accompanied the MPs in the rally against the amnesty bill were told to go home yesterday after police refused to allow them into the Internal Security Act-imposed area near Parliament House.

They were blocked near the Rajavithi intersection and informed that anti-government protesters were not allowed to march to Parliament with Democrat MPs.

Democrat leaders, including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai and Suthep Thaugsuban, yesterday morning led thousands of protesters from the rally site near the Urupong intersection to Parliament to protest against the amnesty bill.

Former Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban told them this was not the final round. The Democrats had vowed to keep on fighting the amnesty bill and would step up activities when the bill was passed on the third reading.

He told supporters to look forward to the next "Reveal the Truth" rally.

"Now people can see how the government is trying very hard to block us when our supporters just want to send us off to Parliament. They now realise [the situation] and the pressure will increase. When the bill is passed on the third reading, the pressure will make them more than ready to fight," the source, a key person in the Democrats' "Reveal the Truth" rally but did not want to be named, said.

He said the idea to lead supporters to Parliament came in a meeting of the party's strategic team last week and was developed over the weekend.

"A key message that we have kept in mind is that, 'whatever the Democrats do today [yesterday], will be recorded in history.' Therefore, we cannot allow any violence," he said. He added there was an informal agreement that protesters from the People's Army to Overthrow the Thaksin Regime, who have been rallying at Lumpini Park, should not join them.

Groups testing the water

Another reason the two anti-government groups acted separately yesterday was to test the water on how many people really support the Democrats, the source, who is a political analyst for the party, said.

He said the party's surveys found the number of "Democrats hardcore" had increased by 10 per cent since the first "Reveal the Truth" rally last year. On the other hand, Pheu Thai's hardcore support had decreased.

At the blockade line on Rajavithi Road yesterday, the Democrats' argument that the protesters had no weapons and would leave the area after the Democrat MPs entered the Parliament compound failed to convince officials.

City police commander Pol Colonel Wisarn Panmanee told the Democrat leaders the order was issued by City Police Commissioner Pol Lt-General Camronwit Toopgrajank and was in line with enforcement of the ISA.

In the afternoon, some Democrat supporters stayed on around the blockade line on Rajavithi Road. Two female members ran and tried to break into the ISA-imposed area but one was blocked and seized, while the other fell over on the road and was knocked unconscious.

Meanwhile, anti-government activist Captain Songklod Chuen-chupol, aka, Captain Pookem, took a chance when police were providing first aid to the woman and got through the police line before being arrested in front of Dusit Zoo and taken into custody.

Songklod was among a dozen people who refused to stay at Lumpini Park and instead joined the Democrat-led rally to Parliament yesterday.


-- The Nation 2013-08-08

[ChrisY1]

Not much more they can do with voting 300 to 160!!.....

[GrantSmith]

"Two female members ran and tried to break into the ISA-imposed area but one was blocked and seized, while the other fell over on the road and was knocked unconscious"

I'm sorry but on face value that would have been quite amusing to see...

I'm guessing she's the one in the picture above with the Police giving her some - I'm guessing - ammonium carbonate to wake her up...

[h90]

somehow I don't understand the Democrats thinking.

[zydeco]

somehow I don't understand the Democrats thinking.

Easy. The haven't got a clue. If this is their idea of success, they just need to shut it all down and go home for good.

[jaidam]

The sheer ineptness of the democrats was on display for all to see yesterday.

They just haven't learned a thing from past protests, the precedent was set in 2010 on how to successfully protest.

Step 1) send goons up the cctv camera posts and smash the cameras.

Step 2) crank up the propaganda on all available outlets, radio, tv, loudspeakers. Bald lies are the go, the more outrageous the better,

Step 3) use rocket propelled grenades, small bombs, and firearms to provoke a reaction from the government and hopefully injure some protestors so that Yingluck will be sent to court on murder charges.Money to pay for the terror campaign should be paid from a bank inside parliament for arrogant amusement.

Step 4) Employ some foreign PR firm to spread your lies to international media.

Step 5)If your demands are met, renege on them and increase step 3.

Step 6) threaten, intimidate the electorate, buy votes, make outlandish promises that await your poll victory. Million baht cash for every voter and 72 virgins for all should suffice.

Step 7) When you cobble together a coalition govt after the election loot as much from the national coffers as possible. Many trillions loaned off budget with no plan as to how to spend it is fine.

Step 8) Enjoy your democracy.

If all goes wrong there will be no liability, amnesty for all is on the way. Its a win win.

Edited August 8, 2013 by jaidam

[Hyponeros]

"symbolic anti-government challenge". Symbolic, really? No way! Rather pathetic!

[KevinB]

It's called democracy in action. Despite being in Power for a while (and in the position to influence things) the Democrats had it proved to them at the last election that they simply don't have the support they need to control the Parliament and run this country. Some else does have majority popular support and (despite what many TV contributors can't seem to get their head around) are therefore the elected Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. And as such they can introduce laws to Parliament, get them passed and put them into action. The days of protestors changing the Government because they shout the loudest and cause the most amount of trouble are hopefully over for a while (because things shouldn't be allowed to work like that). The people of Thailand (not resident expats) voted and voted-in the current Government with a significant majority and until the next election they are the Government. The people have spoken and clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds and the Government because it draws its power and relevance from the electorate has introduced an Amnesty Bill. Democracy.

[h90]

The sheer ineptness of the democrats was on display for all to see yesterday.

They just haven't learned a thing from past protests, the precedent was set in 2010 on how to successfully protest.

Step 1) send goons up the cctv camera posts and smash the cameras.

Step 2) crank up the propaganda on all available outlets, radio, tv, loudspeakers. Bald lies are the go, the more outrageous the better,

Step 3) use rocket propelled grenades, small bombs, and firearms to provoke a reaction from the government and hopefully injure some protestors so that Yingluck will be sent to court on murder charges.Money to pay for the terror campaign should be paid from a bank inside parliament for arrogant amusement.

Step 4) Employ some foreign PR firm to spread your lies to international media.

Step 5)If your demands are met, renege on them and increase step 3.

Step 6) threaten, intimidate the electorate, buy votes, make outlandish promises that await your poll victory. Million baht cash for every voter and 72 virgins for all should suffice.

Step 7) When you cobble together a coalition govt after the election loot as much from the national coffers as possible. Many trillions loaned off budget with no plan as to how to spend it is fine.

Step 8) Enjoy your democracy.

If all goes wrong there will be no liability, amnesty for all is on the way. Its a win win.

I think someone uses these ideas already, can't remember who.

[zydeco]

Promise mountains and deliver molehills.

[jayboy]

The sheer ineptness of the democrats was on display for all to see yesterday.

They just haven't learned a thing from past protests, the precedent was set in 2010 on how to successfully protest.

Step 1) send goons up the cctv camera posts and smash the cameras.

Step 2) crank up the propaganda on all available outlets, radio, tv, loudspeakers. Bald lies are the go, the more outrageous the better,

Step 3) use rocket propelled grenades, small bombs, and firearms to provoke a reaction from the government and hopefully injure some protestors so that Yingluck will be sent to court on murder charges.Money to pay for the terror campaign should be paid from a bank inside parliament for arrogant amusement.

Step 4) Employ some foreign PR firm to spread your lies to international media.

Step 5)If your demands are met, renege on them and increase step 3.

Step 6) threaten, intimidate the electorate, buy votes, make outlandish promises that await your poll victory. Million baht cash for every voter and 72 virgins for all should suffice.

Step 7) When you cobble together a coalition govt after the election loot as much from the national coffers as possible. Many trillions loaned off budget with no plan as to how to spend it is fine.

Step 8) Enjoy your democracy.

If all goes wrong there will be no liability, amnesty for all is on the way. Its a win win.

That's a surprise.Thread is about the Democrats "symbolic" fight against the bill.Suddenly it's a ponderous "satirical" attack on Thaksin and the redshirt movement.I wonder what it takes for the usual suspects to actually focus on the subject without dragging in Thaksin etc.

[Scott]

Off-topic post deleted.

[Baerboxer]

It's called democracy in action. Despite being in Power for a while (and in the position to influence things) the Democrats had it proved to them at the last election that they simply don't have the support they need to control the Parliament and run this country. Some else does have majority popular support and (despite what many TV contributors can't seem to get their head around) are therefore the elected Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. And as such they can introduce laws to Parliament, get them passed and put them into action. The days of protestors changing the Government because they shout the loudest and cause the most amount of trouble are hopefully over for a while (because things shouldn't be allowed to work like that). The people of Thailand (not resident expats) voted and voted-in the current Government with a significant majority and until the next election they are the Government. The people have spoken and clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds and the Government because it draws its power and relevance from the electorate has introduced an Amnesty Bill. Democracy.

"Some else does have majority popular support" - wrong. Current government don't have this. Check the facts.

"And as such they can introduce laws to Parliament" - providing they follow the correct legal processes as per the constitution. There is a process for making changes to the constitution should they wish to try and do so.

"The days of protestors changing the Government because they shout the loudest and cause the most amount of trouble are hopefully over for a while" - why, because the party supported by the most violent and loudest group are now in power? Are they really democratic when they surpress free speech at every opportunity?

"and voted-in the current Government with a significant majority" - not true. Check your facts on the % of people who actually voted for the current government.

"until the next election they are the Government" - but they have acted illegally, which they admit but refuse to comment on or correct. Should any government any where in the world be allowed to act illegally when in power just because they were elected? Or should people enjoy the right to protest such actions including impeachment if necessary.

"The people have spoken and clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds and the Government because it draws its power and relevance from the electorate has introduced an Amnesty Bill. Democracy." - What nonsense! The majority of Thais do not support a whitewash for a convicted criminal fraudster, who faces more serious charges should he return. This whole amnesty issue has been concocted for the benefit of one person. Otherwise why not support the bill produced by the relatives of those killed, which the opposition would also support?

You post nice propaganda but like most pro-PTP propaganda it's a bit economical on the truth.

[Baerboxer]

The sheer ineptness of the democrats was on display for all to see yesterday.

They just haven't learned a thing from past protests, the precedent was set in 2010 on how to successfully protest.

Step 1) send goons up the cctv camera posts and smash the cameras.

Step 2) crank up the propaganda on all available outlets, radio, tv, loudspeakers. Bald lies are the go, the more outrageous the better,

Step 3) use rocket propelled grenades, small bombs, and firearms to provoke a reaction from the government and hopefully injure some protestors so that Yingluck will be sent to court on murder charges.Money to pay for the terror campaign should be paid from a bank inside parliament for arrogant amusement.

Step 4) Employ some foreign PR firm to spread your lies to international media.

Step 5)If your demands are met, renege on them and increase step 3.

Step 6) threaten, intimidate the electorate, buy votes, make outlandish promises that await your poll victory. Million baht cash for every voter and 72 virgins for all should suffice.

Step 7) When you cobble together a coalition govt after the election loot as much from the national coffers as possible. Many trillions loaned off budget with no plan as to how to spend it is fine.

Step 8) Enjoy your democracy.

If all goes wrong there will be no liability, amnesty for all is on the way. Its a win win.

That's a surprise.Thread is about the Democrats "symbolic" fight against the bill.Suddenly it's a ponderous "satirical" attack on Thaksin and the redshirt movement.I wonder what it takes for the usual suspects to actually focus on the subject without dragging in Thaksin etc.

Why do you think the Democrats are actually protesting against this bill? Who is it intended to whitewash for crimes convicted and awaiting trial?

Have a guess.

[Robby nz]

I really wonder what the red, PT supporters posting on here think the Dems should have done?

They led (from the front) their supporters to the barricades that were so needlessly set up then when confronted by the police armed with tear gas, batons and probably their own side arms, after attempting to get their supporters into the grounds and being turned down they asked the supporters to obey they law and go home.

No violence, no lawlessness only peaceful protest.

This of course is only the start, there is a long way to go before any "am nasty" bill gets to be passed.

The opposition to this self serving piece of legislation can only grow from here.

I only hope the reds don't decide they need to be part of the show and arrive with their usual threats, intimidation and violence.

[jayboy]

That's a surprise.Thread is about the Democrats "symbolic" fight against the bill.Suddenly it's a ponderous "satirical" attack on Thaksin and the redshirt movement.I wonder what it takes for the usual suspects to actually focus on the subject without dragging in Thaksin etc.

Why do you think the Democrats are actually protesting against this bill? Who is it intended to whitewash for crimes convicted and awaiting trial?

Have a guess.

Thaksin is not covered in the proposed amnesty bill.The Democrats are perfectly entitled to oppose it anyway and indeed it's their duty as a responsible opposition party.Abhisit however is playing a dangerous game in playing footsy with proto fascist street mobs:he should concentrate his efforts in parliament where his analytical intelligence is better employed.

[Pi Sek]

It's called democracy in action. Despite being in Power for a while (and in the position to influence things) the Democrats had it proved to them at the last election that they simply don't have the support they need to control the Parliament and run this country. Some else does have majority popular support and (despite what many TV contributors can't seem to get their head around) are therefore the elected Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. And as such they can introduce laws to Parliament, get them passed and put them into action. The days of protestors changing the Government because they shout the loudest and cause the most amount of trouble are hopefully over for a while (because things shouldn't be allowed to work like that). The people of Thailand (not resident expats) voted and voted-in the current Government with a significant majority and until the next election they are the Government. The people have spoken and clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds and the Government because it draws its power and relevance from the electorate has introduced an Amnesty Bill. Democracy.

Half of your post is correct and and the other half is flawed.

Yes, this government was voted in, fair and square. As such they can introduce Laws. That's the correct part of your post. (Of course, they do not have a right to pass a Law, as they are only the government. To do so by some form of autocratic decree would not be democratic.)

However, the current government won 48.4% (if I recall correctly) votes - so, yes they have a very strong mandate to do what they said they would do during their election campaign until their term expires. Their election pledges were very unspecific about whether they would work towards forgiving "past offenses / misdeeds", and the question was dodged ambiguously at every opportunity.

Therefore it is the case that clearly the majority of people in this country believed in 2011 that they as a whole would benefit more from a Peua Thai government than a Democrat one; whereas it is not the case that "clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds" - that's the flawed part of your post, even if you are right on this; we just don't know because the public has never been directly asked this question. (And in fact we have large parts of both sides voicing strong opposition to a general amnesty as is being proposed, as it would absolve wrongdoers on both sides.)

And this is why the "symbolic" fight against the amnesty bill is of consequence - so that those who make the rules are aware of the political division and barrier to reconciliation this move will create. This is democracy in action, as in a true democracy all voices must be taken into consideration.

[Baerboxer]

That's a surprise.Thread is about the Democrats "symbolic" fight against the bill.Suddenly it's a ponderous "satirical" attack on Thaksin and the redshirt movement.I wonder what it takes for the usual suspects to actually focus on the subject without dragging in Thaksin etc.

Why do you think the Democrats are actually protesting against this bill? Who is it intended to whitewash for crimes convicted and awaiting trial?

Have a guess.

Thaksin is not covered in the proposed amnesty bill.The Democrats are perfectly entitled to oppose it anyway and indeed it's their duty as a responsible opposition party.Abhisit however is playing a dangerous game in playing footsy with proto fascist street mobs:he should concentrate his efforts in parliament where his analytical intelligence is better employed.

Is that right - and who told you this? PTP by any chance? Open to interpretation I thought were the weasely words usually used. If and when its passed, we shall see if you are right.

Proto facist street mobs - that's a good description of the red storm troopers but they were kept away yesterday and the massive police presence was easily able to deal with a very peaceful protest that respected the law.

Have you wondered why the same police service didn't act in a similar way against the violent terrorist rioters in 2010?

[h90]

That's a surprise.Thread is about the Democrats "symbolic" fight against the bill.Suddenly it's a ponderous "satirical" attack on Thaksin and the redshirt movement.I wonder what it takes for the usual suspects to actually focus on the subject without dragging in Thaksin etc.

Why do you think the Democrats are actually protesting against this bill? Who is it intended to whitewash for crimes convicted and awaiting trial?

Have a guess.

Thaksin is not covered in the proposed amnesty bill.The Democrats are perfectly entitled to oppose it anyway and indeed it's their duty as a responsible opposition party.Abhisit however is playing a dangerous game in playing footsy with proto fascist street mobs:he should concentrate his efforts in parliament where his analytical intelligence is better employed.

I am sure on the end it will cover Thaksin. What else would be the reason to push the amnesty (before called reconciliation) bill?

I understand that you call the PAD fascist (but don't agree) but since when are Democrat supporters "proto fascist"?

[Baerboxer]

It's called democracy in action. Despite being in Power for a while (and in the position to influence things) the Democrats had it proved to them at the last election that they simply don't have the support they need to control the Parliament and run this country. Some else does have majority popular support and (despite what many TV contributors can't seem to get their head around) are therefore the elected Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. And as such they can introduce laws to Parliament, get them passed and put them into action. The days of protestors changing the Government because they shout the loudest and cause the most amount of trouble are hopefully over for a while (because things shouldn't be allowed to work like that). The people of Thailand (not resident expats) voted and voted-in the current Government with a significant majority and until the next election they are the Government. The people have spoken and clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds and the Government because it draws its power and relevance from the electorate has introduced an Amnesty Bill. Democracy.

Half of your post is correct and and the other half is flawed.

Yes, this government was voted in, fair and square. As such they can introduce Laws. That's the correct part of your post. (Of course, they do not have a right to pass a Law, as they are only the government. To do so by some form of autocratic decree would not be democratic.)

However, the current government won 48.4% (if I recall correctly) votes - so, yes they have a very strong mandate to do what they said they would do during their election campaign until their term expires. Their election pledges were very unspecific about whether they would work towards forgiving "past offenses / misdeeds", and the question was dodged ambiguously at every opportunity.

Therefore it is the case that clearly the majority of people in this country believed in 2011 that they as a whole would benefit more from a Peua Thai government than a Democrat one; whereas it is not the case that "clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds" - that's the flawed part of your post, even if you are right on this; we just don't know because the public has never been directly asked this question. (And in fact we have large parts of both sides voicing strong opposition to a general amnesty as is being proposed, as it would absolve wrongdoers on both sides.)

And this is why the "symbolic" fight against the amnesty bill is of consequence - so that those who make the rules are aware of the political division and barrier to reconciliation this move will create. This is democracy in action, as in a true democracy all voices must be taken into consideration.

I thought it was 48% of the people who voted, Not at all the same as 48% of the population entitled to vote. Neither is a majority.

Ignoring several requests for an answer to questions from the Ombudsman regarding illegal actions is hardly the response anyone would expect from a government that has any respect for democracy or the rule of law.

[jayboy]

I understand that you call the PAD fascist (but don't agree) but since when are Democrat supporters "proto fascist"?

Whether you agree or not the PAD agenda was certainly quasi fascist.

As for the Democrat supporters you are quite right and I apologise.I did not in fact mean them (though my words were carelessly expressed) but the grisly hangers on - the remnants of Pitak Siam, Dr Tui's mob etc.It is however worth pointing out that former FM Kasit in an interview with ABC referred to a collective effort or words to that effect, ie embracing the Democrats and the fascist groups in tow.Still nobody takes that buffoon seriously these days and I concede it would be unfair to associate the current Democratic leadership with them.

To remove all doubt therefore I agree it is perfectly legitimate for the Democrats to protest againt the amnesty bill

[Orac]

It's called democracy in action. Despite being in Power for a while (and in the position to influence things) the Democrats had it proved to them at the last election that they simply don't have the support they need to control the Parliament and run this country. Some else does have majority popular support and (despite what many TV contributors can't seem to get their head around) are therefore the elected Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. And as such they can introduce laws to Parliament, get them passed and put them into action. The days of protestors changing the Government because they shout the loudest and cause the most amount of trouble are hopefully over for a while (because things shouldn't be allowed to work like that). The people of Thailand (not resident expats) voted and voted-in the current Government with a significant majority and until the next election they are the Government. The people have spoken and clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds and the Government because it draws its power and relevance from the electorate has introduced an Amnesty Bill. Democracy.

Half of your post is correct and and the other half is flawed.

Yes, this government was voted in, fair and square. As such they can introduce Laws. That's the correct part of your post. (Of course, they do not have a right to pass a Law, as they are only the government. To do so by some form of autocratic decree would not be democratic.)

However, the current government won 48.4% (if I recall correctly) votes - so, yes they have a very strong mandate to do what they said they would do during their election campaign until their term expires. Their election pledges were very unspecific about whether they would work towards forgiving "past offenses / misdeeds", and the question was dodged ambiguously at every opportunity.

Therefore it is the case that clearly the majority of people in this country believed in 2011 that they as a whole would benefit more from a Peua Thai government than a Democrat one; whereas it is not the case that "clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds" - that's the flawed part of your post, even if you are right on this; we just don't know because the public has never been directly asked this question. (And in fact we have large parts of both sides voicing strong opposition to a general amnesty as is being proposed, as it would absolve wrongdoers on both sides.)

And this is why the "symbolic" fight against the amnesty bill is of consequence - so that those who make the rules are aware of the political division and barrier to reconciliation this move will create. This is democracy in action, as in a true democracy all voices must be taken into consideration.

I thought it was 48% of the people who voted, Not at all the same as 48% of the population entitled to vote. Neither is a majority.

Ignoring several requests for an answer to questions from the Ombudsman regarding illegal actions is hardly the response anyone would expect from a government that has any respect for democracy or the rule of law.

It is neither.

Though PT only gain 48% of the vote the current government is a coalition including several smaller parties so they actually received somewhere closer to 60% which is a clear majority of the votes cast.

[h90]

I understand that you call the PAD fascist (but don't agree) but since when are Democrat supporters "proto fascist"?

Whether you agree or not the PAD agenda was certainly quasi fascist.

As for the Democrat supporters you are quite right and I apologise.I did not in fact mean them (though my words were carelessly expressed) but the grisly hangers on - the remnants of Pitak Siam, Dr Tui's mob etc.It is however worth pointing out that former FM Kasit in an interview with ABC referred to a collective effort or words to that effect, ie embracing the Democrats and the fascist groups in tow.Still nobody takes that buffoon seriously these days and I concede it would be unfair to associate the current Democratic leadership with them.

To remove all doubt therefore I agree it is perfectly legitimate for the Democrats to protest againt the amnesty bill

Well FM Kasit is an own story......I read several letters from him.....he is not suitable as diplomat and the letters didn't show any knowledge or experience and showed lack of basic information (or they were just lies) and the translation from Thai to English and German was worse than usual bar level or Google translate. I can't tell if he is fascist or not, specially the letter to Germany was so lack of knowledge how things work that I have doubts he knows enough to have any ideology.

I really can't understand why Abhisit didn't fire him. Weak leadership? Did he attend any of the demonstrations?

[Thai at Heart]

It's called democracy in action. Despite being in Power for a while (and in the position to influence things) the Democrats had it proved to them at the last election that they simply don't have the support they need to control the Parliament and run this country. Some else does have majority popular support and (despite what many TV contributors can't seem to get their head around) are therefore the elected Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. And as such they can introduce laws to Parliament, get them passed and put them into action. The days of protestors changing the Government because they shout the loudest and cause the most amount of trouble are hopefully over for a while (because things shouldn't be allowed to work like that). The people of Thailand (not resident expats) voted and voted-in the current Government with a significant majority and until the next election they are the Government. The people have spoken and clearly the majority of people in this country believe that certain people deserve to be forgiven past offenses / misdeeds and the Government because it draws its power and relevance from the electorate has introduced an Amnesty Bill. Democracy.

All very nice and quaint, but governments make laws, and courts interpret and enforce them with the laws available to them at the time. Now, yes, I am of the opinion that there was some pretty serious revisionism applied to Thaksin to get him, but to pardon people like the protesters should not be able to be done on a purely 50% majority. It should require very careful governmental and legal scrutiny, and broad base of approval, not a simple parliamentary majority.

Now, I don't lay the blame wholly at the feet of PTP, this is stupid constitution that was put in place, with no super majority clause. You might ask why would people writing a constitution omit such a thing? Probably because the Democrats can rarely if ever scrape together a majority, so if you would like them to have free reign to run the country, you might be better to omit any super majority clauses.

[kirk0233]

So the Democrats symbolic anti-government challenge symbolizes opposition to the government? Huh...perhaps some actual opposition would be more appropriate.

[webfact]

The House of Representatives passed the amnesty bill in the first reading with a vote of 299-121 /Bangkok Post

RT @tulsathit: Abhisit, Kaewsan are among 10 vetting committee members. Corrections: There will be only 10 Democrats in vetting committee.

RT @tulsathit: 17 PT MPs are in vetting panel. We'll have a 7-day break, b4 our MPs come back, fight, take long breaks and fight some more.

[h90]

The House of Representatives passed the amnesty bill in the first reading with a vote of 299-121 /Bangkok Post

RT @tulsathit: Abhisit, Kaewsan are among 10 vetting committee members. Corrections: There will be only 10 Democrats in vetting committee.

RT @tulsathit: 17 PT MPs are in vetting panel. We'll have a 7-day break, b4 our MPs come back, fight, take long breaks and fight some more.

I see a very successful fight against the bill.

[webfact]

Correction: The House of Representatives passed the amnesty bill in the first reading with a vote of 300-124. /Bangkok Post sms