Thai Parliament: Speaker under fire over crackdown

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POLITICS
Speaker under fire over crackdown
Jintana Panyaarvudh,
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation





Democrats fume over 'gavel master's' use of House police to keep order

BANGKOK: -- OPPOSITION Democrat MPs cried foul yesterday when anti-riot police were called in after bedlam broke out during the joint deliberation of a charter amendment, calling the move an act of intimidation and demanding that the Parliament president take responsibility. "This is not a police state here," a Democrat shouted.

Although the meeting began at 9.30am, parliamentarians had not actually considered at press time the contents of the charter amendment related to the election of senators and their qualifications and authority. The meeting had to take a break from time to time because of the Democrat Party's protests.

Earlier, Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont, nicknamed "Gavel Master", pounded his gavel for the first time during the meeting to restore order in the chamber. However, his move was greeted by boos and by MPs standing up in protest.

Somsak then instructed Parliament police to remove any lawmakers who refused to sit down. There was some pushing and shoving and Democrat MPs scuffled with police. Somsak had to suspend proceedings.

When the meeting reconvened, lawmakers from the Democrat Party told Parliament deputy president Nikom Wiratpanich, who chaired the meeting, that a company of anti-riot police were in front of Parliament.

Niphit Intarasombat accused Somsak of ordering the Metropo-litan Police to send anti-riot police to keep order in the chamber. "Somsak must order the police to refrain from using force or we won't give any cooperation," he warned. "Why do you allow the police to threaten us?" he said.

After several protests from the Democrats, Nikom ordered his secretary to check if it was true and ordered a break.

After the break, Nikom informed the meeting that there was no longer any police around as he had told them to go back to their headquarters. They came here just to help with traffic and they did not enter the building, he said.

Democrat MPs persisted with their complaints. Thepthai Senpong used a photo of the police on his iPad to show they were commandos.

"I want to know who gave the order. MPs have immunity during Parliament session. Police can't arrest us," Democrat MP Teerachard Pangviroonrugs said.

Somsak, who had taken a break, returned to the meeting to provide an explanation. He said it was the chief security officer of Parliament who had decided to ask the Metropolitan Police to send forces.

"Because I called all Parliament police to [keep order] in the chamber, there were no other officers left to provide security outside. I thought he made the right decision and the police did not come into the meeting room," he said before leaving.

However, Democrat MP Witthaya Kaewparadai demanded that Somsak take responsibility for the anti-riot police and ordering Parliament police to escort out those refusing to sit down. Some senior Democrat legislators were hurt when police tried to remove them. Others demanded the setting up of a house ethics committee to probe Somsak, which he accepted.

"Somsak should not let the blame fall on a parliament official. He should apologise to the members. The dictatorial regime is over," Witthaya said.

After another break, Democrat MP Buddhipongse Punnakanta refuted Somsak's clarification about the use of outside police. He played a video and said police were already standing by at Dusit Zoo opposite Parliament, and were deployed even before the chaos in the chamber.

They were not traffic police as claimed by Somsak he said.


-- The Nation 2013-08-21

[NongKhaiKid]

What a disgusting display of dictatorship by a PTP member who, like the rest, is above it all and thinks he can do and say as he likes.

As he has already signed up as a supporter of the charter amendments how can he be impartial in running a debate ? As I understand it, in Britain for example, the Speaker does not follow his own party lines on anything but is there to adjudicate and ensure smooth running of business.

Here we have a totally biased PTP Speaker who will ensure he and his party do get what they want and don't dare expect partiality. Any doubts this is becoming more of a dictatorship are remove completely by situations like this.

Thailand a democracy, even a young one, I thnk not.

[Chittychangchang]

A picture says a million words.

Traffic police?! What's the difference?

CCC

[Moruya]

Bit by bit the noose tightens.

Thaibodia is heading your way

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[jaidam]

Looks like the dems gave those military police what has become known since upcountry red rioting and intimidation of opponents as merely a "boisterous welcome".

[Siripon]

The Senate should be an effective counter to Parliament but the Pheua Thai plan to do away with restrictions such as concurrent terms and spouses of MPs standing will lead to a cosy relationship with the government, emasculating any checks and balances.

And of course, offering these sweeteners to the Senate, they're hardly likely to turn them down when it comes to voting.

Another nail in the coffin of democracy.

[dcutman]

I think the Thai police uniform really needs to keep up with the times here in LOS.

Any of these styles seems much more fitting.

Edited August 21, 2013 by dcutman

[Neilly]

"This is not a police state here," a Democrat shouted.

It will be if that bunch in power have their way

[boomerangutang]

This fault-ridden legislation proposal (to amend the Constitution) and the amnesty bill, all stem from some politicians' manic desire to enable Thaksin to return to Thailand without facing his legal responsibilities. Sad times for Thailand.

[Thait Spot]

"This is not a police state here," a Democrat shouted.

It will be if that bunch in power have their way

I'd be inclined to say that it already is - following the clampdown on Pitak Siam, the calling of an emergency decree a couple of weeks ago, the attack on Facebook and Line, hundreds of riot police at parliament etc. etc.

[moe666]

Since Thailand is moving to the Hun Sin style of government I guess all those folks moving to Cambodia will be staying now

[Estrada]

I know the speaker, he is a gentleman. He did the right thing in having security police in the Senate because the Democrats were out to cause trouble. Which was confirmed during the proceedings, where the Senator for Nakorn Nowhere is observed with a choke hold on a policeman. MPs and Senators should behave as gentleman or ladies and any fighting should be stopped immediately. Had the Senator not had the police at the ready to stop the violence then the parliamentary scene may have become an all out brawl similar to that which often erupts in the Korean Parliament:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ch-PTRyfOA

The there is the Italian Parliament.... Note the plentiful use of the choke hold:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2u7Osh0diM

Here's some more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3DHKni1mu8

The Democrats damned him because he stopped the riot and would have damned him if he hadn't.

Edited August 21, 2013 by Estrada

[gl555]

*cough* red sympathizer *cough*

I know the speaker, he is a gentleman. He did the right thing in having security police in the Senate because the Democrats were out to cause trouble. Which was confirmed during the proceedings, where the Senator for Nakorn Nowhere is observed with a choke hold on a policeman. MPs and Senators should behave as gentleman or ladies and any fighting should be stopped immediately. Had the Senator not had the police at the ready to stop the violence then the parliamentary scene may have become an all out brawl similar to that which often erupts in the Korean Parliament:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ch-PTRyfOA

The there is the Italian Parliament.... Note the plentiful use of the choke hold:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2u7Osh0diM

Here's some more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3DHKni1mu8

The Democrats damned him because he stopped the riot and would have damned him if he hadn't.

[johnnie20110]

I know the speaker, he is a gentleman. He did the right thing in having security police in the Senate because the Democrats were out to cause trouble. Which was confirmed during the proceedings, where the Senator for Nakorn Nowhere is observed with a choke hold on a policeman. MPs and Senators should behave as gentleman or ladies and any fighting should be stopped immediately. Had the Senator not had the police at the ready to stop the violence then the parliamentary scene may have become an all out brawl similar to that which often erupts in the Korean Parliament:

The Democrats damned him because he stopped the riot and would have damned him if he hadn't.

If you truly know Somsak, one would expect you would know that this not the Senate, but the House, and that Somsak is not a Senator, but an MP.

There was certainly no hyperbolic "riot". That's reserved for the red shirts, which include a dozen PTP MP's. As pointed out in the article, those red shirt MP's could confirm for you that there is parliamentary immunity that would preclude anyone getting arrested by the police,

Edited August 21, 2013 by johnnie20110

[billd766]

They really and truly needed RIOT POLICE to control traffic outside of parliament?

I know Thai drivers aren't that good but I didn't realise they were that bad.

[tonneke breda]

Edited August 21, 2013 by tonneke breda

[gemini81]

I know the speaker, he is a gentleman. He did the right thing in having security police in the Senate because the Democrats were out to cause trouble. Which was confirmed during the proceedings, where the Senator for Nakorn Nowhere is observed with a choke hold on a policeman. MPs and Senators should behave as gentleman or ladies and any fighting should be stopped immediately. Had the Senator not had the police at the ready to stop the violence then the parliamentary scene may have become an all out brawl similar to that which often erupts in the Korean Parliament:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ch-PTRyfOA

The there is the Italian Parliament.... Note the plentiful use of the choke hold:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2u7Osh0diM

Here's some more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3DHKni1mu8

The Democrats damned him because he stopped the riot and would have damned him if he hadn't.

Nonsense that the dems were out to cause trouble; what group of pricks would have the audacity to place police at parliament and stir up trouble, and violating the process?

Edited August 21, 2013 by gemini81

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

This is not a police state here," a Democrat shouted.

Increasingly over time, it certainly appear as though that's exactly what Thailand is...

Though to be fair, during their time in power, the Democrats had their own efforts leading in that direction.

Edited August 21, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[NongKhaiKid]

IN Channel lunch time news reported that PTP's chief spokesman, a man who couldn't lie straight in bed, has demanded the Dems take full responsibility for disrupting parliamentary business and if they won't admit they should all resign as behaviour unacceptable etc. etc.

The Dems have complained about the abuse of power by the speaker but PTP are in full flight and will milk this

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

a man who couldn't lie straight in bed,

Nice turn of a phrase...

[robertson468]

I think the Thai police uniform really needs to keep up with the times here in LOS.

Any of these styles seems much more fitting.

You have included a photograph of what appears to be a British Soldier in a Scots Guard's Uniform, along side what looks like a Nazi Uniform. Please explain yourself!

[boomerangutang]

And yet another recommended requirement for being an MP: 'How to administer a choke hold'

.....along with other required qualifications for the job:

>>> always, I repeat always, vote just how your party tells you to vote.

>>> never think outside the box

>>> always look to the money. The little people will muddle through somehow, no matter what.

>>> Always put money issues above environmental and humanity issues.

>>> borrow money to spend. When it comes due, it will be subsequent generations who will have to grapple with it. Make sure to spend for the blocs of people who look upon you most favorably. Ignore the rest.

>>> always vote against anything related to real estate taxes. If you can borrow to pay for things, then why rely on silly things like taxes? If in doubt about that, ask Thaksin, the poster boy of tax avoidance.

[Estrada]

I know the speaker, he is a gentleman. He did the right thing in having security police in the Senate because the Democrats were out to cause trouble. Which was confirmed during the proceedings, where the Senator for Nakorn Nowhere is observed with a choke hold on a policeman. MPs and Senators should behave as gentleman or ladies and any fighting should be stopped immediately. Had the Senator not had the police at the ready to stop the violence then the parliamentary scene may have become an all out brawl similar to that which often erupts in the Korean Parliament:

The Democrats damned him because he stopped the riot and would have damned him if he hadn't.

If you truly know Somsak, one would expect you would know that this not the Senate, but the House, and that Somsak is not a Senator, but an MP.

There was certainly no hyperbolic "riot". That's reserved for the red shirts, which include a dozen PTP MP's. As pointed out in the article, those red shirt MP's could confirm for you that there is parliamentary immunity that would preclude anyone getting arrested by the police,

I know most of them. This was a joint meeting of the Senate and House Committee on the revised constitution, there are both Senators and MPs on the committee. My close friend who is a Senator can be seen in the first photograph on the Newspaper's web page at the top left next to the lady who was speaking at the time. His daughter helped draft the original constitution that they are seeking to amend. I know both Somsak and Nikom the speakers for the house and the senate, both are gentleman. I met them at my friend's daughter's wedding. The meeting started out chaired by Nikom, being the Senate Speaker, and due to an objection by the Democrats that he was biased, stepped down to let Somsak, the House Speaker take over.

Edited August 21, 2013 by Estrada

[gl555]

I'm pretty sure if you knew Hitler personally, he's actually quite a nice person too. He's still a Nazi.

I know the speaker, he is a gentleman. He did the right thing in having security police in the Senate because the Democrats were out to cause trouble. Which was confirmed during the proceedings, where the Senator for Nakorn Nowhere is observed with a choke hold on a policeman. MPs and Senators should behave as gentleman or ladies and any fighting should be stopped immediately. Had the Senator not had the police at the ready to stop the violence then the parliamentary scene may have become an all out brawl similar to that which often erupts in the Korean Parliament:

The Democrats damned him because he stopped the riot and would have damned him if he hadn't.

If you truly know Somsak, one would expect you would know that this not the Senate, but the House, and that Somsak is not a Senator, but an MP.

There was certainly no hyperbolic "riot". That's reserved for the red shirts, which include a dozen PTP MP's. As pointed out in the article, those red shirt MP's could confirm for you that there is parliamentary immunity that would preclude anyone getting arrested by the police,

I know most of them. This was a joint meeting of the Senate and House Committee on the revised constitution, there are both Senators and MPs on the committee. My close friend who is a Senator can be seen in the first photograph on the Newspaper's web page at the top left next to the lady who was speaking at the time. His daughter helped draft the original constitution that they are seeking to amend. I know both Somsak and Nikom the speakers for the house and the senate, both are gentleman. I met them at my friend's daughter's wedding. The meeting started out chaired by Nikom, being the Senate Speaker, and due to an objection by the Democrats that he was biased, stepped down to let Somsak, the House Speaker take over.

[mrfill]

And yet another recommended requirement for being an MP: 'How to administer a choke hold'

.....along with other required qualifications for the job:

>>> always, I repeat always, vote just how your party tells you to vote.

>>> never think outside the box

>>> always look to the money. The little people will muddle through somehow, no matter what.

>>> Always put money issues above environmental and humanity issues.

>>> borrow money to spend. When it comes due, it will be subsequent generations who will have to grapple with it. Make sure to spend for the blocs of people who look upon you most favorably. Ignore the rest.

>>> always vote against anything related to real estate taxes. If you can borrow to pay for things, then why rely on silly things like taxes? If in doubt about that, ask Thaksin, the poster boy of tax avoidance.

A job description which applies to MPs in almost every country.

These days it is a career, not a calling or a wish to improve people's lots. Often chosen by rubbish lawyers who are unable to get their snout deep enough in the trough in the legal business. They become MPs and pass needlessly complex laws which require more lawyers to interpret, some of whom are useless so become MPs. And so the cycle continues...

[wwest5829]

What a disgusting display of dictatorship by a PTP member who, like the rest, is above it all and thinks he can do and say as he likes.

As he has already signed up as a supporter of the charter amendments how can he be impartial in running a debate ? As I understand it, in Britain for example, the Speaker does not follow his own party lines on anything but is there to adjudicate and ensure smooth running of business.

Here we have a totally biased PTP Speaker who will ensure he and his party do get what they want and don't dare expect partiality. Any doubts this is becoming more of a dictatorship are remove completely by situations like this.

Thailand a democracy, even a young one, I thnk not.

Sorry but the U.S. system is different as regards the Senate voting. Systems vary. Two speakers from each side? Maybe not enough but equal nonetheless. Otherwise you have a filibuster, which the U.S is, unfortunately very familiar with in the Congress, especially regarding the Republicans.

[mikemac]

I'm surprised. Surprised the PTP did not go all the way and bring in their redshirted stormtroopers to sort out the wabble of wowdy webels.

And Estrada, seeing as it is ok to drop names, I'll have you know I know the Devil personally. In fact I used to be married to his sister !

[Noistar]

This is not a police state here," a Democrat shouted.

Increasingly over time, it certainly appear as though that's exactly what Thailand is...

Though to be fair, during their time in power, the Democrats had their own efforts leading in that direction.

Assuming your comments about the Democrats are correct (and we're back in the 'they did it so we can' arena), they didn't have a parliamentary majority to ensure they could do whatever they wanted, un-opposed.

A big difference

[Noistar]

I think the Thai police uniform really needs to keep up with the times here in LOS.

Any of these styles seems much more fitting.

You have included a photograph of what appears to be a British Soldier in a Scots Guard's Uniform, along side what looks like a Nazi Uniform. Please explain yourself!

Perhaps he just means Thailand needs a balance of extremes.

Then again, perhaps not

[Noistar]

There was a similar event not long after the new government.

If I remember rightly, it was the Speaker refusing the Opposition time to debate. I believe Abhisit assaulted a piece of parliamentary furniture - no, I don't mean Yingluck.