Thai Amnesty anger set to explode

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POLITICS
Amnesty anger set to explode
Niphawan Kaewrakmuk
somroutai sapsomboon
The Nation



Suthep may call for mass rallies after Somsak's rush for 2nd reading

BANGKOK: -- A MUCH-FEARED confrontation over the controversial amnesty bill being pushed by the Pheu Thai-led government appeared more likely yesterday, as Democrat Party MP Suthep Thaugsuban decided to call for rallies nationwide from tomorrow, a Democrat Party source said.

Suthep's decision was prompted by House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont's urgent call yesterday for a second reading of the bill tomorrow. Suthep, reportedly acting independently, will today hold a press conference to call the rallies. In Bangkok, the rally venue will be in front of Parliament, while provincial rallies will take place outside city halls.

The Pheu Thai Party yesterday resolved to vote for the revised version of the bill, which would grant amnesty to all - a condition opposed even by the government's closest ally, the red-shirt movement.

The House will tomorrow begin its debate on the second reading of the amnesty bill, Somsak said yesterday. "The legislative deliberation on amnesty will adhere to prescribed procedures as sanctioned by the Constitution," he said.

Reacting to the opposition's claim that the bill was a fiscal issue requiring prime ministerial endorsement ahead of the debate, Somsak said he was willing to convene all 35 House committees to rule on the issue. He said opponents and proponents of amnesty had their respective views on whether the draft was designed to benefit former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Amnesty could not be selectively granted, he said.

The speedy scheduling of the debate is meant to give as little opportunity as possible for opposition lawmakers to air dissenting views.

Coalition lawmakers plan to flex their majority muscle to vote for a speedy ending to the debate on each draft provision, automatically silencing the opposition.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra is expected to be absent, citing a prior engagement to chair a mobile Cabinet meeting in Lop Buri.

The government will distance itself from the amnesty issue by employing the same strategy of executive-legislative separation of powers cited during the charter-change debate.

Deputy House Speaker Visut Chainarun met legislative guards as part of the advanced preparations to ensure peace and orderly conduct during the debate.

He said unruly lawmakers would be removed from the House chamber.

Chart Thai Pattana Party chief adviser Banharn Silapa-archa said he was concerned that protesters might take to the streets after the bill's final passage. Defending the bill, he said amnesty would not apply to those found guilty of graft.

Protest organiser Uthai Yodmanee said protesters would remain at the Urupong intersection during the second and third readings of the bill. The decision on whether to intensify the protests would be made only after the bill's final passage, he said.

Red shirts and almost 100 per cent of academics were against blanket absolution, she said, urging the ruling Pheu Thai Party to rethink its strategy.

"When you cannot yet defeat your political enemies, you should hope to preserve the hearty support of your allies," she said, asking whether amnesty is worth antagonising the reds over.

Thida's husband, MP Weng Tojirakarn, said he would abstain rather than cast his vote on amnesty, adding that though he was against amnesty, he could not side with the Democrats.

He said all red leaders like Jatuporn Promphan, Nattawut Saikua and Kokaew Pikulthong were opposed to absolving political overseers involved in the 2010 crackdown.

In another development, the opposition appears bent on using delay tactics during the second reading of the bill, chief opposition whip Jurin Laksanawisit indicated yesterday.

Jurin said Democrat MPs have submitted 163 motions to seek changes to the bill, but their proposals were rejected during the vetting. As a result, the Democrat MPs would reserve their right to debate the motions during the second reading, he said.

Jurin quickly added that the debate would not be a delaying tactic.

"The Parliament president should allow them to debate all the motions. It's not a filibuster, but MPs have a duty to fight against the amnesty law," he said.

He also said the opposition whip believed the ruling party would flex its muscle to try to push for speedy passage of the bill because the government wanted to preempt rallies.

Meanwhile, the rubber farmers' protest in the South appears to be related to the anti-government protesters, National Security Council secretary-general Paradorn Pattanatabut said yesterday.

In a report about the rallies to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, he said security agencies felt the protests were related. He dded that demonstrators at both rallies could come together to protest against the government's amnesty bill as well as a possible negative ruling by the International Court of Justice on the Preah Vihear Temple dispute on November 11.

"Right now we can see an obvious plan with a specific date and time already set. If the amnesty bill gets through and the Preah Vihear verdict is negative, there will be an immediate movement by the protesters. Now that they have given us a signal, it's imperative we keep our eye on them," Paradorn said.


-- The Nation 2013-10-30

[CelticBhoy]

Stock up. We may well be spending a good few days at home soon.

[Sunderland]

I agree. Things set to quickly spiral out of control over the weekend, or early next week, or opposition will amount to a very damp squib and the dictatorship will be able to do whatever it likes for the next 20 years.

[ratcatcher]

"PM Yingluck Shinawatra is expected to be absent, citing a prior engagement to chair a mobile Cabinet meeting in Lop Buri."

How surprising?

[chainarong]

You would have to be a blind dog not to notice that this is just a shame to get Thaskin Shinawatra back into Thailand ,even though this might not be a good idea, for several reasons, none I will touch on today, Amnesty, so much for the criminal justice system in Thailand when political parties can conjure up this name ( amnesty) and get crooks off the hook, there should be no such thinking in a democratic society as to whom can or cannot be given an amnesty as against a criminal conviction, therefore Thailand , you have along way to go before you can safely say you are a democracy, people who break the law should be punished by the law

[AleG]

Reported elsewhere, the very democratic PTP is threatening to remove MP rights to run under it's banner on the next election if they don't follow Thaksin's orders (let's not beat around the bush on the origin of this train wreck on the making)

[Ricardo]

Protest-groups respect the announced-delay, due to the senior-monk's demise, and defer threatened street-protests, only to see the government jump in & push the reading(s) through a month earlier, as a result ?

So much for Reconciliation and Truth under Thaksin's PTP-government !

It all stinks to high heaven !

[virtualtraveller]

Suthep should first let Peua Thai steamroll the parliamentary opposition out the way, to justify people coming on to the streets, timing is essential otherwise it will be another damp squib sending a message to Thaksin he can get away with it. All the same, there is massive uncertainty ahead, it's interesting to see how far Thaksin will go and how much resistance Red shirts will dare to offer. Typical that Dems aren't even being given a chance to debate the most contentious bill in recent history and the PM is out in the provinces (perhaps a coup precaution). The arrogance. It may lead to their downfall but they don't care, I bet they are already printing their campaign posters for the next snap election. The opposition can boycott it, then we are back to the farce of April 2006 - full circle.

[FLHR]

It just baffles me how these people can do these things at the expense of the citizens & countries well being. I thought self serving and deception was bad in the States; but here, I just can't believe what I'm seeing. How many coups have been thrown here in the last 75 years?

[mca]

I always wonder what would happen if Thaksin were to return home at some point in the future. It's not as if all the factions against him are going to just say "Fair enough we lost" and let him peacefully wander around Gaysorn or Emporium to his hearts content.

[Jawnie]

Some much for the Thai-Buddhist qualities of detachment, patience, serenity, and loving kindness towards others.

[jbrain]

The Pheu Thai Party yesterday resolved to vote for the revised version of the bill, which would grant amnesty to all - a condition opposed even by the government's closest ally, the red-shirt movement.

Of course the red shirts oppose the bill for completely different reasons as the Democrats.

[coma]

Time to dig the tools up out of the back garden ?

[coma]

I always wonder what would happen if Thaksin were to return home at some point in the future. It's not as if all the factions against him are going to just say "Fair enough we lost" and let him peacefully wander around Gaysorn or Emporium to his hearts content.

His personal protection detail would need to be on their toes.

[klubex99]

I always wonder what would happen if Thaksin were to return home at some point in the future. It's not as if all the factions against him are going to just say "Fair enough we lost" and let him peacefully wander around Gaysorn or Emporium to his hearts content.

I would expect assassination attempts.

There are millions here who hate his guts, and it only takes one.

Edited October 30, 2013 by klubex99

[mca]

I always wonder what would happen if Thaksin were to return home at some point in the future. It's not as if all the factions against him are going to just say "Fair enough we lost" and let him peacefully wander around Gaysorn or Emporium to his hearts content.

His personal protection detail would need to be on their toes.

And I hope he'd have some good tints on his car window. If not every red traffic light would make the WWE Royal Rumble look like the teddy bear's picnic.

[waza]

A predictable state of affairs from a snake in the grass. What has Thaksin to loose? I am sure that he and his family are safely out of harms way, its the common people who will shed blood, sweat and tears over his agenda.

Edited October 30, 2013 by waza

[thaidel48]

Ah looks like my ... cant remember how many coupe/rebellion/revolution enforced (been here 25 years you count) homestay coming up lol.

[HUAHIN62]

The last million people protest (with 20k attending) and every other protest afterwards, exploded like a wet firecracker.

[gerry1011]

In a way, I am also against a blanket amnesty.

I would love to see Abhisit and Suthep end up in prison.

However, I also try not to let the very low esteem I have for these two persons blind my views...

The political deadlock should end and it is time to push the reset button.

As much as I think that Suthep is an awful politician, as much as I think that Abhisit is useless for this country and that both should be held responsible for the deaths of 90 protesters, ... I also think that it is time for all sides to end this destructive game.

A blanket amnesty would certainly leave some people unhappy, but the never ending game that is played by the Dems since years is going nowhere.

An amnesty is a way to go back to square one and start on a new base. As mature and adult people.

The only problem is that the Dems are not able to compete on such a new base.

They see the amnesty as a threat because once it is passed they would not know what to do, what to say, and what to fight for...

They should reform themselves, offer something for the future of the country, make themselves appealing to the people, and give away their silly warrior's behavior forever.

The country needs to be reset and brought back to normality.

People who stubbornly obstruct the way to reconciliation should be held responsible too...

For the sake of the country I am ready to swallow the pill... and accept that Abhisit and Suthep don't end up in prison.

Except if they really want to, of course

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[oldsailor35]

Trust 'good ole' Suthep to stir the pot. Sooner he is locked up the better.

[klubex99]

In a way, I am also against a blanket amnesty.

I would love to see Abhisit and Suthep end up in prison.

However, I also try not to let the very low esteem I have for these two persons blind my views...

The political deadlock should end and it is time to push the reset button.

As much as I think that Suthep is an awful politician, as much as I think that Abhisit is useless for this country and that both should be held responsible for the deaths of 90 protesters, ... I also think that it is time for all sides to end this destructive game.

A blanket amnesty would certainly leave some people unhappy, but the never ending game that is played by the Dems since years is going nowhere.

An amnesty is a way to go back to square one and start on a new base. As mature and adult people.

The only problem is that the Dems are not able to compete on such a new base.

They see the amnesty as a threat because once it is passed they would not know what to do, what to say, and what to fight for...

They should reform themselves, offer something for the future of the country, make themselves appealing to the people, and give away their silly warrior's behavior forever.

The country needs to be reset and brought back to normality.

People who stubbornly obstruct the way to reconciliation should be held responsible too...

For the sake of the country I am ready to swallow the pill... and accept that Abhisit and Suthep don't end up in prison.

Except if they really want to, of course

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

What you are saying then, is that you want 'selective' amnesty?

Clear Thaksin, and imprison Abhisit and Suthep?

You say this puts Thailand back to a new base?

So you forgot about all the people who died at the hands of Thaksin's direct orders? Thousands of people murdered without trial during his drugs crackdown. Not to mention the south of course.

So if YOU were in charge in 2010, what would your orders have been?

Considering that the reds were rioting, looting and burning down banks and offices, a load of police weapons handed over to the reds (or blacks), with shots being fired at the army. What the hell do you think was going to happen? If I shot a gun at armed soldiers I expect to shot at with live ammo. That is what would happen in almost any other country when soldiers come under fire.

In your head, you live in a perfe3ct fluffy sugar coated world.

Edited October 30, 2013 by klubex99

[Robby nz]

PM Yingluck Shinawatra is expected to be absent, citing a prior engagement to chair a mobile Cabinet meeting in Lop Buri.

I thought that was what I saw when I was in Lop buri.

[AleG]

The political deadlock should end and it is time to push the reset button.

Funny, exactly the same justification given for the last coup.

I always wonder what would happen if Thaksin were to return home at some point in the future. It's not as if all the factions against him are going to just say "Fair enough we lost" and let him peacefully wander around Gaysorn or Emporium to his hearts content.

I think he'll be just fine getting "his" money back and staying far, far away issuing orders remotely.

[briboy]

hmm, I might hold off a bit longer before I buy a ticket to the L.O.S as I prefer the "S" to be smiles rather than shit...

[hellodolly]

I always wonder what would happen if Thaksin were to return home at some point in the future. It's not as if all the factions against him are going to just say "Fair enough we lost" and let him peacefully wander around Gaysorn or Emporium to his hearts content.

Hi highly doubt he will walk any where in Thailand peacefully.

To many enemies and I am sure that some of them have high caliber friends like Thaksin's black shirts.

He said unruly lawmakers who disagreed with him would be removed from the House chamber.

[gerry1011]

In a way, I am also against a blanket amnesty.

I would love to see Abhisit and Suthep end up in prison.

However, I also try not to let the very low esteem I have for these two persons blind my views...

The political deadlock should end and it is time to push the reset button.

As much as I think that Suthep is an awful politician, as much as I think that Abhisit is useless for this country and that both should be held responsible for the deaths of 90 protesters, ... I also think that it is time for all sides to end this destructive game.

A blanket amnesty would certainly leave some people unhappy, but the never ending game that is played by the Dems since years is going nowhere.

An amnesty is a way to go back to square one and start on a new base. As mature and adult people.

The only problem is that the Dems are not able to compete on such a new base.

They see the amnesty as a threat because once it is passed they would not know what to do, what to say, and what to fight for...

They should reform themselves, offer something for the future of the country, make themselves appealing to the people, and give away their silly warrior's behavior forever.

The country needs to be reset and brought back to normality.

People who stubbornly obstruct the way to reconciliation should be held responsible too...

For the sake of the country I am ready to swallow the pill... and accept that Abhisit and Suthep don't end up in prison.

Except if they really want to, of course

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

 

What you are saying then, is that you want 'selective' amnesty?

 

Clear Thaksin, and imprison Abhisit and Suthep?

 

You say this puts Thailand back to a new base?

 

So you forgot about all the people who died at the hands of Thaksin's direct orders? Thousands of people murdered without trial during his drugs crackdown. Not to mention the south of course.

 

So if YOU were in charge in 2010, what would your orders have been?

 

Considering that the reds were rioting, looting and burning down banks and offices, a load of police weapons handed over to the reds (or blacks), with shots being fired at the army. What the hell do you think was going to happen? If I shot a gun at armed soldiers I expect to shot at with live ammo. That is what would happen in almost any other country when soldiers come under fire.

 

In your head, you live in a perfe3ct fluffy sugar coated world.

No no, you misunderstood. You should read again. >_>

I am in favor of a blanket amnesty because I try to think constructively.

Should I say again?

Here it is: Personally I would LOVE to see Abhisit and Suthep rot in prison. But, since I try to think wisely, I would accept that a blanket amnesty let them walk free. I would accept that they walk free because, taking everything into account, it is better for the country.

If the anti Thaksin side tried to put aside their hatred for a moment, things could start to evolve in the right direction.

But it seems that this hatred seriously alter the good judgement of many people.

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[jbrain]

In a way, I am also against a blanket amnesty.

I would love to see Abhisit and Suthep end up in prison.

However, I also try not to let the very low esteem I have for these two persons blind my views...

The political deadlock should end and it is time to push the reset button.

As much as I think that Suthep is an awful politician, as much as I think that Abhisit is useless for this country and that both should be held responsible for the deaths of 90 protesters, ... I also think that it is time for all sides to end this destructive game.

A blanket amnesty would certainly leave some people unhappy, but the never ending game that is played by the Dems since years is going nowhere.

An amnesty is a way to go back to square one and start on a new base. As mature and adult people.

The only problem is that the Dems are not able to compete on such a new base.

They see the amnesty as a threat because once it is passed they would not know what to do, what to say, and what to fight for...

They should reform themselves, offer something for the future of the country, make themselves appealing to the people, and give away their silly warrior's behavior forever.

The country needs to be reset and brought back to normality.

People who stubbornly obstruct the way to reconciliation should be held responsible too...

For the sake of the country I am ready to swallow the pill... and accept that Abhisit and Suthep don't end up in prison.

Except if they really want to, of course

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

What you are saying then, is that you want 'selective' amnesty?

Clear Thaksin, and imprison Abhisit and Suthep?

You say this puts Thailand back to a new base?

So you forgot about all the people who died at the hands of Thaksin's direct orders? Thousands of people murdered without trial during his drugs crackdown. Not to mention the south of course.

So if YOU were in charge in 2010, what would your orders have been?

Considering that the reds were rioting, looting and burning down banks and offices, a load of police weapons handed over to the reds (or blacks), with shots being fired at the army. What the hell do you think was going to happen? If I shot a gun at armed soldiers I expect to shot at with live ammo. That is what would happen in almost any other country when soldiers come under fire.

In your head, you live in a perfe3ct fluffy sugar coated world.

No no, you misunderstood. You should read again. >_>

I am in favor of a blanket amnesty because I try to think constructively.

Should I say again?

Here it is: Personally I would LOVE to see Abhisit and Suthep rot in prison. But, since I try to think wisely, I would accept that a blanket amnesty let them walk free. I would accept that they walk free because, taking everything into account, it is better for the country.

If the anti Thaksin side tried to put aside their hatred for a moment, things could start to evolve in the right direction.

But it seems that this hatred seriously alter the good judgement of many people.

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

So every solution is fine for you, as long as your demigod get's cleared from his criminal offenses including his killing spree all over the country, and he is allowed to enrich himself more on the back of the Thai population.

Edited October 30, 2013 by jbrain

[skorchio]

All Thais are born equal, but some are more equal than others. Here we go again, god bless!!!

I guess if I was Thai I would be so ffffing incensed with the carry-on in the politik. I have been reading Thai history lately, written by Farang of course, and every chapter opens my eyes more to the reasons why the place is what it is, and the people are how they are. So much productivity and so much progress and so much good is hindered by the actions of just a few. Isn't it delicious??!!!

And, whats more, it will take a real standup individual to even slightly change the status-quo. So the chaos and corruption we love and cherish is safe, worry not!!

[moe666]

Give Big T the amnesty and then lets set back and see what happens when he comes back.