Threat of mass protests hangs over Thai amnesty bill

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Threat of mass protests hangs over amnesty bill
Supon Thanukid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat leaders recently made a move that is unprecedented in the history of the nation's oldest political party - leading a mass rally on the streets of Bangkok in a show of force to oppose the amnesty bill now before Parliament.

Though it failed to stop the government camp from passing the bill in its first reading, the opposition has demonstrated its potential to mobilise the masses and lead anti-government rallies. It also wants to prove that many people are ready to come out against the amnesty bill if it appears the government has a hidden agenda to help fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Fearing the opposition posed a serious threat to what critics call the "Thaksin regime", the government decided to impose the Internal Security Act in inner areas of Bangkok to prevent protesters from reaching Government House and Parliament.

Critics said the government was overreacting, and that the imposition of the act inconvenienced the public by blocking roads. But government strategists said it was better to nip the problem in the bud, as an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The Democrats knew that with only 163 votes, they could not stop the government camp from passing the bill, and that its first street rally against the legislation was just an "appetiser".

But senior Democrat Suthep Thaugsuban has warned that if the government pushes this bill to whitewash Thaksin and help him return unpunished, the party was preparing a knockout punch should the bill pass in the third reading.

One wonders what this knockout punch Suthep refers to could be. The only thing many can think of is mega street protests.

Soon after the bill passed the first reading, government leaders and Pheu Thai MPs quickly dismissed speculation that they would merge controversial reconciliation bills or other amnesty bills with the bill proposed by Pheu Thai Samut Prakan MP Worachai Hema.

They also ruled out the possibility that the bill would cover people who committed lese majeste offences.

The House committee vetting the bill expects a heated debate on what offences should be covered by the amnesty. While some lawmakers say that laying siege to Parliament and Government House are political cases that should be entitled to amnesty, others say burning down provincial halls is a serious crime that cannot be allowed to go unpunished.

They reasoned that extending amnesty to such convicts would set a precedent that would not bode well for the country's future. While Worachai's bill covers only protesters, not protest leaders, others fear such a distinction could be regarded as discrimination and may be deemed unconstitutional.

Government leaders breathed a sigh of relief when the bill passed the first reading without incident. They have two major steps left, which they believe will not be difficult legally as they have a majority in the House. However, the battle outside Parliament could be fierce.

If the government does not keep its word, and instead resorts to underhanded tactics to help Thaksin, the Democrats may not have to resort to mass mobilisation. Other anti-government protesters such as the People's Alliance for Democracy, the multi-coloured shirts and the white-maskers would all take to the street to oppose the legislation.


-- The Nation 2013-08-16

[Mampara]

This is possibly going to be the most monumental cover up in Thai history, where the only thing more incredible than lies is the truth behind this scenario.

[Chao Lao Beach]

Anyone know of the time frame for the 2nd and 3rd reading ?

Just wondering wen all the distractions in the media will be again

"One wonders what this knockout punch Suthep refers to could be. The only thing many can think of is mega street protests."

Hehe, wonders is the same as thinking or having a thought ?

[Tywais]

Post removed due to this pinned topic - No Discussion Of The Monarchy In Political Context

[Calimotty]

But senior Democrat Suthep Thaugsuban has warned that if the government pushes this bill to whitewash Thaksin and help him return unpunished, the party was preparing a knockout punch should the bill pass in the third reading.

Suthep's decision making processes are obviously still impaired by the knockout punch he suffered at the last general election.

[hellodolly]

But senior Democrat Suthep Thaugsuban has warned that if the government pushes this bill to whitewash Thaksin and help him return unpunished, the party was preparing a knockout punch should the bill pass in the third reading.

Suthep's decision making processes are obviously still impaired by the knockout punch he suffered at the last general election.

Well it certainly will be interesting to see what his knock out punch will be. For sure if they white wash Thaksin and return him home free of all charges there will be mass demonstrations.

On the other hand if they don't let him come home free and clear of all charges there will be mass demonstrations by people carrying guns.

It is a lose lose bill put forth by a lose lose Government except when it comes to filling their own pockets they are A one at that.

If I recall correctly Suthep was not knocked out at the last election he won. Don't know who he knocked out.