Thai lower house passes political amnesty bill

[fab4]

"Just imagine that enough PTP MP's had decided to vote against the bill"

Just imagine you come out of the PTP propaganda bubble and step into the real world, you'll notice that PTP made it very clear that all MPs would vote for the bill, except the 4 Red Shirt MPs who abstained.

The rest is spin on an alternative reality.

It still remains that the dems went back on their word, as much as that is worth. Who would trust them, the electorate don't.

[webfact]

Provincial Administration Dept chief admits sending letter to all provinces, requesting setting up signboards, posters supporting Amnesty Bill, but voluntarily

/MCOT

[AleG]

"Just imagine that enough PTP MP's had decided to vote against the bill"

Just imagine you come out of the PTP propaganda bubble and step into the real world, you'll notice that PTP made it very clear that all MPs would vote for the bill, except the 4 Red Shirt MPs who abstained.

The rest is spin on an alternative reality.

It still remains that the dems went back on their word, as much as that is worth. Who would trust them, the electorate don't.

What still remains is that blaming the Democrats for the passing of this bill is nothing but spin and propaganda.

[fab4]

You may remember there were at least 6 variations of amnesty bill put forward. There was only one bill put forward to got to vote in 1st 2nd and 3rd readings.

Excuse me Sir, there was one bill put forward inn the first reading.

There was another bill, which didn't belong to any of the 6 variations, put forward in the second and third reading.

OK so I made a mistake, it doesn't make a difference to the fact that of the original 6 versions the one the that has got this far if unadulterated by the voting committee did not mention a blanket amnesty. But of course rivalex and co knew all along that the bill would be altered.

I'll wager that they heard about the "voting committee" and the subsequent adulteration at the same time as I did.

[rubl]

Are we still on the 'amnesty bill' voting in by Pheu Thai in a really necessary, rushed through 2 & 3 voting?

Amnesty for all regarding political issues related to the 2006 coup?

Does this mean that Thaksin's sentencing to two years remains as it relates to before the coup? The case of inducing state banks to lent Myanmar money so they could buy from his company, things like that?

Imagine who will claim discrimination if their offenses are not absolved with Thaksin the Innocent walking around freely.

Now with this bill passed, what are the other procedures, checks and whatever our dear PM talked about when urging the public to stay calm ?

"Just imagine that enough PTP MP's had decided to vote against the bill"

Just imagine you come out of the PTP propaganda bubble and step into the real world, you'll notice that PTP made it very clear that all MPs would vote for the bill, except the 4 Red Shirt MPs who abstained.

The rest is spin on an alternative reality.

It still remains that the dems went back on their word, as much as that is worth. Who would trust them, the electorate don't.

Edited November 1, 2013 by rubl

[h90]

Provincial Administration Dept chief admits sending letter to all provinces, requesting setting up signboards, posters supporting Amnesty Bill, but voluntarily

/MCOT

That is kind, so they Democrats only need to add the sticker where to meet, if you want to fight against it.

[Thaddeus]

Just imagine that enough PTP MP's had decided to vote against the bill, as requested by the democrats, that their vote coupled with the dems would have defeated the bill.

From the OP.

The ruling Puea Thai Party of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra -- Thaksin's sister -- had ordered all its lawmakers to support the amnesty bill,

Therefore..............

[samtam]

It is done it is irreversible, Puea Thai no longer have the opportunity to climb down to pacify the reds. Point of no return now. See how long before it gets promulgated. Either Thaksin will be home (briefly) for Christmas, or Yingluck will be campaigning for a snap election, or both. This was so blatant by stealth I expect something equally radical in response. There's still a long way to go in a few short weeks before Thaksin can ask for his money back, I bet the govt already have the cheque drafted.

It's ALL about that money.

[webfact]

Opposition slams amnesty bill passage
By English News



BANGKOK, Nov 1 - The opposition Democrat party leader insisted the controversial amnesty bill is unconstitutional and that the party will petition the Constitutional Court for legal interpretation after it passed the second and final readings in the House of Representatives early Friday morning.

Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva announced hours after the special session of the House of Representatives voted 310-0 to pass the third reading of the bill with 4 abstentions after 19 hours of heated debate and protests interrupting the meeting amid boos and jeers from many Democrat MPs who vented their anger at the ruling Pheu Thai MPs for their attempts to ram the bill through.

However, the protests failed to deter House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont who insisted on swift and continuous voting on articles of the bill which sailed through the second and third readings. Then the House Speaker announced he closed the session at 4.25am.

The bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.

Mr Abhisit argued that the vetting process of the bill was unconstitutional and that the House Speaker's actions undermined public confidence in the parliamentary system. He also urged the Senate to oppose the bill and said his party will file a petition to the Constitutional Court for legal interpretation once the Upper House finishes vetting the bill.

People should come out to exercise their constitutional right to collectively determine which direction the country should go rather than letting the government to take liberty in running the country for a certain group of people, he said.

The passage of the bill drew ire from several groups. It was seen by its opponents as an attempt to clear ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of all criminal charges and pave the way for his return to Thailand after more than seven years of self-imposed exile abroad. In addition, the bill will also grant a blanket amnesty to those, including the then prime minister Abhisit and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban, who were said to be behind the killing of nearly 100 people, mainly unarmed protesters in the 2010 anti-government Red Shirt protests.

The passage came just hours after tens of thousands of people joined the Democrat-led protest against the bill at Bangkok's Samsen railway station.

National Security Council secretary general Paradorn Pattanathabut this morning estimated that the number of last night anti-bill participants was around 10,000. He said the protest seems to gain steam with more Bangkokians and those who have moderate views being likely to join. The protest, he said, could be prolonged as the bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.

Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok, who supervises national security, said he believed that the rally would be peaceful under the guidance of the Democrat leaders. He also pledged that security personnel will ensure safety for those rallygoers and prevent possible intervention by any instigators.

Pracha also dismissed police reinforcement and extended enforcement of the Internal Security Act, saying the current situation does not warrant the actions as the protests are peaceful. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-01

[Robby nz]

Provincial Administration Dept chief admits sending letter to all provinces, requesting setting up signboards, posters supporting Amnesty Bill, but voluntarily

/MCOT

I believe it reads as an order rather than a request.

Voluntary... Oh yes, almost all the provincial governors are appointed not elected.

And who makes the appointments?

No doubt this PT advertising will again be an added burden on the taxpayer.

[Nickymaster]

Why didn't they vote against it as they said they would?

Now stick with me here and try and remain neutral, I know it's hard for you, but try.

Just imagine that enough PTP MP's had decided to vote against the bill, as requested by the democrats, that their vote coupled with the dems would have defeated the bill. What would they have felt when they saw the dems walking out? Why would you trust the democrat party?

So seeing that they cannot get into parliament by normal means, what do they do. Organise street protests in the hope that it will draw the attention of the Army who already have their amnesty through the constitution, the very constitution the dems wouldn't let the PTP change by coming up with specious challenges to the Constitution Court..

You want to talk about low.

Just imagine that enough PTP MP's had decided to vote against the bill, as requested by the democrats, that their vote coupled with the dems would have defeated the bill. What would they have felt when they saw the dems walking out? Why would you trust the democrat party?

Why imagine something that any sane person knows will never happen.

-Haven't you heard that Thaksin told the PT MPs to vote in favor of the bill? So you want people to image that PT MPs would not listen to paymaster Thaksin.

- Didn't you know that the best plan PT/Thaksin could come up with was to have three protest leaders not vote so at least they could confuse the Reds?

Are you confused or are you thinking everybody else is confused?

4 of them didn't vote for the bill. Ah, I see, it's one of Thaksins' cunning plans.

That's the best you can do? Childish. Why not be a man and reply in a normal way?

[bander]

It looks like PT and Thaksin are going to trash yet another high season for Thailand.

Good, you get what you deserve.

Good timing Mr. T, hit Thailand with rally's and violence just when the high season for tourist is around the corner.

Chaos and anarchy is back again just as planned

[webfact]

PM refuses to comment on the passage of the amnesty bill

LOPBURI, 1 November 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra paid homage to King Narai’s statue and the Phra Kan Shrine before chairing a mobile cabinet meeting in the province this morning.

Meeting the press, the Prime Minister refused to comment on the passage of the amnesty bill in its 2nd and 3rd readings in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva said that the prime minister had been informed of the result of the House consideration by authorities concerned.


-- NNT 2013-11-01

[rubl]

Well, at least the 'real' PM has been brought up to date as to what her fellow party members had been up to, or did she just get a "it's done" SMS

PM refuses to comment on the passage of the amnesty bill

LOPBURI, 1 November 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra paid homage to King Narai’s statue and the Phra Kan Shrine before chairing a mobile cabinet meeting in the province this morning.

Meeting the press, the Prime Minister refused to comment on the passage of the amnesty bill in its 2nd and 3rd readings in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva said that the prime minister had been informed of the result of the House consideration by authorities concerned.


-- NNT 2013-11-01

[Nickymaster]

Be nice to hear from all the red shirt / PTP sympathetic posters on here who have, since this amnesty bill idea was proposed by PTP all those months ago, insisted that it wasn't about Thaksin, and that people shouldn't rush to conclusions and should patiently wait.

If you don't feel stupid, you certainly should do. You know who you are.

I don't feel stupid.

Respect to Dr Weng and his colleagues

I respect red leader Weng for being able to deceive his Red Shirts by choosing not to vote no after the leadership said they were opposed to amnesty .

Respect for the courage to lie to red shirts who have a long history of violence and retribution.

.

Well good for you. You won't feel lonely with those views. Oh and don't edit the #$@& out of my posts, there's a good boy.

I know the truth about Thaksin and his Red Shirt leaders is a bitter pill to swallow but please don't get emotional. It's only a debate we are having.

[Pimay1]

Yingluck refuses to comment. She follows instructions so well. What a good little sister she is.

[Ricardo]

And not voting at all, but walking out is a show of, just what exactly, petulance?

The other paper has a fine picture of democrat MP's watching, (whilst still in parliament during the amnesty bill debate?), tv coverage of the Democrat Party / Suthep led street protest

I suggest that not voting at all, after they'd been denied the opportunity to propose any amendments or even speak against the bill, is merely a refusal to participate in a sham.

And the final-vote looks more like a sham, than 310 : 160ish would have done.

So they've succeeded in showing what they wanted to.

[Robby nz]

The real shame of this is that Abhisit and Suthep will no longer be able to clear their names of all the BS charges that have been brought against them.

Now PT the reds and their supporters will forever be able to call them murders.

No doubt this will be shamelessly used against them in any future elections.

It will also be used against the Dems by association.

I suspect their only course of action will be to leave politics completely.

All part of the master plan of removing all opposition.

[gemini81]

Up with the arms, locals. Get out there and resist. You only get what you fight for in life. Don't enable these injustices to materialize.

[ridkun]

Not only have they passed the bill but they have sent out instructions to all provincial heads that they should erect signs saying how wonderful this bill is and how the people support it.

Attached a copy of the letter, in Thai obviously as it has been sent to Thais.

Someone might like to translate it more accurately.

1382369_648135691876300_321665881_n.jpg

There is also an example of what is required.

1385695_10151971684759835_811284363_n.jpg

My humble translation.

First:

Department of Provincial Administration would like to ask for every provincial office to ask for every Amphur offices in the province for the "cooperation" to make cutout and vinyl board announcement to support "national reconciliation" by passing the amnesty bill. The message should be as provided in the attachment.

The provincial office must gather the photograph of the work from Amphur's offices and report that to the Department by 8th of November.

Second:

"Amphur ...... support people's reconciliation by the amnesty bill."

"Unite is strength. In harmony even disagree. Reunite by supporting the amnesty bill."

"Amphur ..... would like to invite you to support unite and reconciliation of the people. Support the amnesty bill."

[webfact]

AMNESTY BILL
Anti-Corruption body appeals to international community
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand on Friday submitted a letter to the US Embassy in Bangkok that voiced its concerns at the speedy passage of the Thai government-sponsored Amnesty Bill.

The letter aimed to inform the international community that the bill was supportive of graft and the whitewashing of wrongdoers.

"The amnesty bill that already passed the House goes against the 2003 UN Convention against Corruption that became effective on December 14, 2005 and which Thailand ratified in 2011," the letter said. The submission was led by Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham, ACT's deputy president.

The bill would result in the failure of anti-corruption activities in all parts of the Thailand as well as tarnish image of Thailand in the eyes of the international community.

The US has placed importance on anti-corruption activities, the letter continued, adding that it also supports all countries in their fight against corruption.

The ACT therefore called for the US and the United Nations to demonstrate their reactions to the Thai government.


-- The Nation 2013-11-01

[AleG]

Chief coalition whip says amnesty bill passage sped up for fear of parliament besieging

BANGKOK: -- Chief coalition whip Amnuay Klungpha said Friday that the coalition sped up the passage of the amnesty bill because it feared that the opposition would lead protesters to besiege parliament.

"We have learned the opposition's plan. They will lead demonstrators from the Samsen railway station and Urupong Intersection to besiege parliament at 8 am to prevent the third-reading vote," Amnuay said.

"We have sent our people to infiltrate the demonstrators so we learned of the plan."

"We didn't plan in advance to force for this," Amnuay said.

-- The Nation 2013-11-01

The Blame The Democrats spin is well and truly underway.

[rixalex]

You may remember there were at least 6 variations of amnesty bill put forward. There was only one bill put forward to go to vote in 2nd and 3rd readings. I didn't expect that certain members of the voting committee would amend it in the way they did. Of course you and your peers knew all along, as you have your finger on the pulse of whats happening in the PTP camp because you read it here or in the Nation or Blue Sky. Throw enough crap some of it's bound to stick.

You didn't need to read the Nation or watch Blue Sky to have known that they would amend the bill as they have. It was blatantly obvious what the true underlying intentions were in all of this, and those intentions were spelled out on here on a daily basis, to your constant denials. The fact that you were oblivious to what was going to happen only speaks to your head-in-the-sand ignorance on the way Thaksin and his party operates.

Furthermore, the insinuation that anyone who predicted this would happen, must therefore be a Democrat supporter, is pathetic.

I'd say to you "wake up", but the fact that you still haven't, on a day like today, shows that you surely never will.

[rixalex]

It still remains that the dems went back on their word, as much as that is worth. Who would trust them, the electorate don't.

What still remains is that blaming the Democrats for the passing of this bill is nothing but spin and propaganda.

His type are always joking about how they feel Thaksin gets the blame for everything around here. The actual joke is the way they themselves find a reason to not blame him for anything at all. He could kill a man with his own bare hands on live TV and they would all be saying, ah but it's not really his fault.. what about the Dems, why didn't they intervene?.. and what about the airport shutdown, and what about the elite, blah blah blah. Pathetic.

[whybother]

Be nice to hear from all the red shirt / PTP sympathetic posters on here who have, since this amnesty bill idea was proposed by PTP all those months ago, insisted that it wasn't about Thaksin, and that people shouldn't rush to conclusions and should patiently wait.

If you don't feel stupid, you certainly should do. You know who you are.

I don't feel stupid. I felt that they would not do something as stupid. They have, or should I say, certain members of the committee have. If the original bill had gone forward and not been ambushed by the voting committee there would not have been all this commotion.

Likewise all those posters crowing about how upstanding the democrats were in voting against the bill - it'll be nice to hear from them too. How many times now is it that they boycott votes?

Respect to Dr Weng and his colleagues for at least having the guts to abstain rather than boycott the vote altogether. So much for the dems asking the PTP to vote against with them, what vote.

The Democrat Party is as much to blame as any here - whats their response - we'll head to the streets.

The fact is the original bill got amended by PTP MPs on the committee. Did the committee force all of PTP to vote for it?

How are the Democrats to blame? They didn't vote for it.

You really are digging yourself a hole this time.

[webfact]

CONTROVERSIAL AMNESTY BILL
Doctors, human rights commission protest amnesty bill
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Rural Doctor Society has issued a statement protesting the House Representatives' deliberation of the amnesty bill and is suggesting that its members and medical workers across the country oppose the government's amnesty bill.

The Government should withdraw its bill and present the peoples' draft bill for the consideration of the House of Representative instead, as this draft grants amnesty only to people who joined the political demonstrations.

The National Human Rights Commission also urged the members of House of Representatives to comply with the principle of legal state, good governance and international human rights standards. Government should think about the welfare of people who are not political leaders, regardless of political conviction, and whose human rights have been violated. Most importantly, the government should not use any violence to resolve problems.


-- The Nation 2013-11-01

[cornishcarlos]

Not only have they passed the bill but they have sent out instructions to all provincial heads that they should erect signs saying how wonderful this bill is and how the people support it.

Attached a copy of the letter, in Thai obviously as it has been sent to Thais.

Someone might like to translate it more accurately.

1382369_648135691876300_321665881_n.jpg

There is also an example of what is required.

1385695_10151971684759835_811284363_n.jpg

These images are now circulating on social network sites...

Seems a great deal of people are finally smelling the BS !!

Lets see if they get off their asses without being paid to protest.

From the comments about this that I have read (on Thai peoples posts), I think there will be a lot of folk taking to the streets soon. These are ordinary, not yellow or red shirt, people that want their country back.

[Local Drunk]

"PM refuses to comment on the passage of the amnesty bill"

Well what could she possibility say? Thank you three times?

[Robby nz]

Robby nz, on 01 Nov 2013 - 11:31, said:

Not only have they passed the bill but they have sent out instructions to all provincial heads that they should erect signs saying how wonderful this bill is and how the people support it.

Attached a copy of the letter, in Thai obviously as it has been sent to Thais.

Someone might like to translate it more accurately.

1382369_648135691876300_321665881_n.jpg

There is also an example of what is required.

1385695_10151971684759835_811284363_n.jpg

My humble translation.

First:

Quote

Department of Provincial Administration would like to ask for every provincial office to ask for every Amphur offices in the province for the "cooperation" to make cutout and vinyl board announcement to support "national reconciliation" by passing the amnesty bill. The message should be as provided in the attachment.

The provincial office must gather the photograph of the work from Amphur's offices and report that to the Department by 8th of November.

Second:

Quote

"Amphur ...... support people's reconciliation by the amnesty bill."

"Unite is strength. In harmony even disagree. Reunite by supporting the amnesty bill."

"Amphur ..... would like to invite you to support unite and reconciliation of the people. Support the amnesty bill."

Thank you for that.

14.37 They have now realized their cock up and have sent another letter :

Local Administration Dept chief reverses order asking local offiicals to erect national reconciliation billboards citing discrepancies in wording

(MCOT)

The letter:

[Robby nz]

It would seem that Newin is now kissing Thaksins bum.

No doubt in the hope of a good lick at the honey pot.

Opposition Bhum Jai Thai MPs vote in support of amnesty bill
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Twenty-nine of 33 opposition Bhum Jai Thai Party MPs voted in support of the amnesty bill.

They included Chai Chidchob, Jakrawal Chaiwiratkul, and Sopon Saram.

The four other MPs did not cast any type of vote.