Rule of law, public interest key to Senate's decision: Deputy Speaker

[webfact]

Rule of law, public interest key to Senate's decision: Deputy Speaker
By English News



BANGKOK, Nov 5 - Thailand's Deputy Senate Speaker affirmed today that the Senate will take into account public interest, the rule of law and national stability when the upper house deliberates the controversial amnesty bill next week.

Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai reacted shortly after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra appeared on national television urging the Senate to exercise discretion in deliberating the bill which has drawn widespread protest from the public and business communities in the capital and provinces.

"The Senate will consider the amnesty bill thoroughly with public opinion being heeded," Mr Surachai pledged. "The decision will be based on rightness and the rule of law as well as the public interest and national stability."

"Be assured that the Senate will work independently," he stated, adding that he hoped the upper house will help ease the tension in the country.

In her national televised address, Ms Yingluck urged the upper house to exercise full discretion in its deliberation of the bill based on national reconciliation and mercy.

"No matter what the decision will be, be it rejection or (changing by) amendment, I believe that the lawmakers who voted in favour of the bill will accept the (senate) decision for the sake of national reconciliation," Ms Yingluck said.

The premier's statement came a few days after anti-amnesty bill mass protests led by the opposition Democrat Party drawing tens of thousands of people onto Bangkok streets.

Opponents of the bill are angered that its passage will clear ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of legal liability for his wrongdoings. Some Red Shirt supporters also voiced their frustration against the bill, reasoning that the authorities behind the 2010 deaths during the Red Shirt protests, including Democrat party leader and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban, will also be pardoned.

The premier said her government wants to restore national reconciliation and urged all parties to refrain from any actions which could lead to further conflict.

"Forgiveness will help reduce conflict and allow the country to move on," Ms Yingluck said, noting that many groups are not willing to forgive and violence is likely to continue. The premier said she does not want to see the amnesty bill distorted and become a tool in political conflict.

If the upper house rejects the bill, it will be sent back to the House of Representatives which would leave it for 180 days before reconsidering it. However, the lower house can pass the bill and forward it for royal endorsement. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-05

[clockman]

It is already a tool in a political conflict.!

[waza]

Even if the senate rejects the bill the Thaksin controlled upper house can push it through, if it has the bottle.

Even if the senate rejects the bill, the lower house can pass the legislation and send it to the king for approval after a delay of 180 days. http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1348275/thai-pm-yingluck-shinawatra-defends-amnesty-bill-face-protests

Edited November 5, 2013 by waza

[dcutman]

Senate will take into account public interest, the rule of law and national stability when the upper house deliberates the controversial amnesty bill next week.

So all the sudden all these corrupt politicians developed morals and actually figured out whom they serve? What a joke!

[Tatsujin]

EDIT TO HEADLINE:

Thailand's Deputy Senate Speaker affirmed today that the Senate will take into account public interest, the rule of law, national stability and most importantly who's got the most power and influence and who's going to give us the biggest backhanders or influential positions when the upper house deliberates the controversial amnesty bill next week.

[LuckyLew]

rule of law ???????????????? silly me I thought it was bribery, threats, more money and intimidation

[Captain_Bob]

"The premier said her government wants to restore national reconciliation" (whitewash my brother)

"Forgiveness will help reduce conflict and allow the country to move on" (whitewash my brother)

Two more completely backward statements with poorly-hidden agenda from Lil Miss Puppet. Isn't it already blatantly obvious that pushing through this bill will lead to further division, protest and violence, not "reconciliation" and "moving on"? Oh never mind, didn't realise this is actually all for the sake of ...one man with a lot of money, not the Thai people. Un-f'n-believable! Last time I checked you elect politicians to serve you, not fk you!

[selftaopath]

WAIT!!! I'm still stuck on "the rule of law." What rule of law??? We're still in Thailand aren't we?

[drdoom6996]

When, since elected has the PTP worried about the "Rule of Law, or "The Public Interest"?