Divided NLA postpones impeachment

[Lite Beer]

NATION ANALYSIS
Divided NLA postpones impeachment
Jintana Panyaarvudh,
Khanittha Thepphajorn,
Nitipol Kiravanich
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Delay raises suspicion NCPO may want to avoid renewed conflict

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday postponed its decision on whether to consider impeachment cases against the former Parliament president and his then deputy, after NLA members failed to reach agreement on this contentious issue.

At yesterday's closed-door meeting, 165 members of the 220-strong NLA voted to postpone indefinitely a decision on whether to proceed with impeachment cases against Somsak Kiatsuranont and Nikom Wairatpanich. They agreed that documents from the National Anti-Corruption Commission submitted to the NLA on this matter were "incomplete".

A total of 165 NLA members also voted for exemption of a meeting regulation that the NLA President, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, include an impeachment case in the assembly's meeting agenda within 30 days of the NACC submitting a case to the NLA.

The NLA president will now decide when to table the matter for a future debate by members of the assembly.

The delay in the impeachment case has raised doubt among observers as to whether political office holders will be impeached, amid legal doubts over whether this is possible because the 2007 Constitution, which details the process of impeachment, was abolished after the coup on May 22.

Many members of the NLA have expressed concern that impeaching political office holders, in the absence of the 2007 Constitution, may land them in legal trouble, although the NACC has said that impeachment of the targeted politicians can be done under the existing anti-graft law. A political office holder who gets impeached would face a five-year ban from politics.

A number of politicians from the previous administration and legislature have been targeted by the anti-corruption agency for impeachment.

Yesterday's NLA meeting was set to decide whether to endorse an NACC suggestion that Somsak and Nikom be impeached - for alleged violation of the previous constitution in connection with bids to amend that charter.

The NACC also has submitted a request for the NLA to decide whether to impeach former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in connection with her government's allegedly corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme, which cost the country billions of dollars. Yesterday's postponement may also result in Yingluck's case being delayed.

Observers have raised doubts as to whether the National Council for Peace and Order, after its ousting of the Yingluck government, is serious about impeaching politicians from the previous administration.

They noted that the provisional charter does not clearly specify the issue of impeachment or clearly identify the NLA's power in this regard, although the charter states that the assembly acts as both the House of Representatives and Senate.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who was one of the drafters of the interim charter, said that the issue of impeachment was intentionally omitted from the charter so it would not be too long. But some observers felt this excuse was rather lame.

NLA member General Noppadol Inthapanya, who is close to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, and other NLA members - retired military and policemen - reportedly don't want to proceed with the impeachment cases.

They believe that because the 2007 Constitution is defunct, impeachment proceedings could spur legal action.

A source said other members don't want to create conflict and would rather promote reconciliation.

However, NLA members who are anti-Thaksin ex-senators want impeachment to go ahead.

NLA vice president Surachai Liengboonlertchai said after the meeting he expected the matter to be postponed for about two weeks. He added that the NLA members failed to settle a number of differences at their meeting, which lasted almost four hours.

Somchai Sawangkarn, another NLA member, said yesterday that members of the assembly needed more time to read more than 4,500 pages of documents submitted by the NACC in connection with the case.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Divided-NLA-postpones-impeachment-30245743.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-18

[NongKhaiKid]

Yet another ' incomplete ' file on a very important investigation ! ?

Hhmm.

[Chang_paarp]

The challenge is, how can they prosecute these people under the constitution that is no longer in force?

With no constitution to replace it there is something of a vacuum.

Catch 22.

[Robby nz]

A slightly different story in the BKK post this morning.

Not that the report was incomplete but because many of them have not read the 5000 pages therefor don't know the whole story.

Seems some of them are worried that if these two and the next one are impeached it might cause trouble, as in the reds may be upset and riot again.

So we let them get away with crime because of a threat of more crime if we do them.

Others are worried about themselves, there may be legal problems for them later if they go ahead with this.

Good idea, let them get away with it because they might cause more trouble, that the law has been broken doesn't come into it.

Possibly you have picked some of the wrong people General.

[oneday]

Just move forward and get on with the CURRENT business of government. Stop looking backwards.

I am still waiting to hear announcements about proposed new rules or laws to prevent future corruption within the government. Come on guys...get a move on.

[pookiki]

A secret and closed meeting. What happened to accountability and transparency?

[inzman]

A secret and closed meeting. What happened to accountability and transparency?

do you believe in fairy tales?

[northernjohn]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Just move forward and get on with the CURRENT business of government. Stop looking backwards.

I am still waiting to hear announcements about proposed new rules or laws to prevent future corruption within the government. Come on guys...get a move on.

I agree move forward. How ever I believe that some sort of punishment should be handed out. Impeachment would keep the scum out of politics for 5 years there by giving the new government room to move around in.

A secret and closed meeting. What happened to accountability and transparency?

Happens all the time. You probably have some your self.

This how ever was not a secret meeting it was out in the open for all to see.

Troll on.

[rubl]

A secret and closed meeting. What happened to accountability and transparency?

'closed door meeting' only.

Unless you think we are discussion some closely watched secrets here and now

[tx22cb]

165 out of 220 voted to indefinitely postpone? The Corruption Commission will now go after these 165.

[pookiki]

165 out of 220 voted to indefinitely postpone? The Corruption Commission will now go after these 165.

Most definitely! It's dangerous to vote in Thailand!

[Baerboxer]

Yet another ' incomplete ' file on a very important investigation ! ?

Hhmm.

As good an excuse as any for not making a decision, actually reading the report, sticking your neck out etc etc.

As we know the rich elite on either side rarely go to court, face prosecution, conviction or meaningful punishment, whatever the crime.

They seem to think the loss of face, loss of power and nose out the trough is punishment enough for politicians and civil servants.

[rubl]

165 out of 220 voted to indefinitely postpone? The Corruption Commission will now go after these 165.

Most definitely! It's dangerous to vote in Thailand!

If you must have this fun then please phrase correctly "dangerous to vote the wrong one"

Anyway, personally I'm disappointed in some posters here who time and again have tried to convince me of the slavishly obedience and servile nature of the NLA, If you cannot even trust your fellow posters who can you trust

[fab4]

A slightly different story in the BKK post this morning.

Not that the report was incomplete but because many of them have not read the 5000 pages therefor don't know the whole story.

Seems some of them are worried that if these two and the next one are impeached it might cause trouble, as in the reds may be upset and riot again.

So we let them get away with crime because of a threat of more crime if we do them.

Others are worried about themselves, there may be legal problems for them later if they go ahead with this.

Good idea, let them get away with it because they might cause more trouble, that the law has been broken doesn't come into it.

Possibly you have picked some of the wrong people General.

"Seems some of them are worried that if these two and the next one are impeached it might cause trouble, as in the reds may be upset and riot again. So we let them get away with crime because of a threat of more crime if we do them".

Well thank you for presenting your opinion as fact, but the "decision" to postpone indefinitely the question of "will they/won't they" impeachment probably has more to do with doubts about the legality of such an action, and the fact that if this impeachment went ahead it would pave the way for the impeachment of 308 MPs and Senators. The NACC and in particular, Vicha Mahakhun, might think that is a good idea, but it appears others do not............ so far.

Your statement that O'cha may have possibly picked "some of the wrong people" is so telling.

“The NACC [at this point] based its decision on the Constitution Court’s ruling which also covers the part about the falsified draft charter amendment, (…) Basically, the 308 MPs and senators were involved in proposing the draft, so they should be aware that the draft was fake and they should be responsible for their actions,” [NACC member Vicha Mahakhun] said.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/118006/thailands-nacc-ruling-why-it-happened-and-what-it-means/

Of course, Vicha Mahakhun's integrity is beyond question and will not allow any personal enmity* to cloud his judgement

*Vicha Mahakhun, former member of the junta appointed NCCC (the forerunner to the NACC), blocked from getting onto the Election Commission in 2006 by the TRT, majorly involved in cases against Thaksin in 2008, not to mention his many irrelevant public pronouncements about Yingluck during the Rice Price Pledging Scheme investigation......................

Edited October 18, 2014 by fab4

[pookiki]

165 out of 220 voted to indefinitely postpone? The Corruption Commission will now go after these 165.

Most definitely! It's dangerous to vote in Thailand!

If you must have this fun then please phrase correctly "dangerous to vote the wrong one"

Anyway, personally I'm disappointed in some posters here who time and again have tried to convince me of the slavishly obedience and servile nature of the NLA, If you cannot even trust your fellow posters who can you trust

I'm sorry but what's your point? None of us are entitled to a point of view? What would I think my posts would convince you of anything and vice-versa? In an interim constitution that gives the NCPO the ultimate power over every aspect of Thai society, makes every edict of the NCPO lawful, and confers immunity on every action of the NCPO, why would I ever conclude that the NLA is not a robust legislative body that will only bring additional happiness to Thai people? At least you agree it's dangerous to vote the 'wrong' one. Maybe we just don't agree on what's wrong?

[rubl]

165 out of 220 voted to indefinitely postpone? The Corruption Commission will now go after these 165.

Most definitely! It's dangerous to vote in Thailand!

If you must have this fun then please phrase correctly "dangerous to vote the wrong one"

Anyway, personally I'm disappointed in some posters here who time and again have tried to convince me of the slavishly obedience and servile nature of the NLA, If you cannot even trust your fellow posters who can you trust

I'm sorry but what's your point? None of us are entitled to a point of view? What would I think my posts would convince you of anything and vice-versa? In an interim constitution that gives the NCPO the ultimate power over every aspect of Thai society, makes every edict of the NCPO lawful, and confers immunity on every action of the NCPO, why would I ever conclude that the NLA is not a robust legislative body that will only bring additional happiness to Thai people? At least you agree it's dangerous to vote the 'wrong' one. Maybe we just don't agree on what's wrong?

Chill out, man.

Oh, and try not to ask questions if you're not interested in getting answers because you'll give your own answers.

Actually I didn't even agree with the 'dangerous to vote' part and least of all the suggestion by voting like they did those NLA members will now be investigated. It seems a bit of trying to put fear in people, suggest more than proof, hint at something obviously sinister. IMHO

[rubl]

"Seems some of them are worried that if these two and the next one are impeached it might cause trouble, as in the reds may be upset and riot again. So we let them get away with crime because of a threat of more crime if we do them".

Well thank you for presenting your opinion as fact, but the "decision" to postpone indefinitely the question of "will they/won't they" impeachment probably has more to do with doubts about the legality of such an action, and the fact that if this impeachment went ahead it would pave the way for the impeachment of 308 MPs and Senators. The NACC and in particular, Vicha Mahakhun, might think that is a good idea, but it appears others do not............ so far.

Your statement that O'cha may have possibly picked "some of the wrong people" is so telling.

“The NACC [at this point] based its decision on the Constitution Court’s ruling which also covers the part about the falsified draft charter amendment, (…) Basically, the 308 MPs and senators were involved in proposing the draft, so they should be aware that the draft was fake and they should be responsible for their actions,” [NACC member Vicha Mahakhun] said.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/118006/thailands-nacc-ruling-why-it-happened-and-what-it-means/

Of course, Vicha Mahakhun's integrity is beyond question and will not allow any personal enmity* to cloud his judgement

*Vicha Mahakhun, former member of the junta appointed NCCC (the forerunner to the NACC), blocked from getting onto the Election Commission in 2006 by the TRT, majorly involved in cases against Thaksin in 2008, not to mention his many irrelevant public pronouncements about Yingluck during the Rice Price Pledging Scheme investigation......................

Surely k. Vicha couldn't beat Ms. Yingluck's cabinet members and fellow Pheu Thai MPs in irrelevant and contradictionary remarks on the RPPS?

Anyway a few cases indefinitely postponed, Now for the following cases.

[Denim]

Just move forward and get on with the CURRENT business of government. Stop looking backwards.

I am still waiting to hear announcements about proposed new rules or laws to prevent future corruption within the government. Come on guys...get a move on.

The problem is not a lack of laws or regulations but people ignoring them , circumventing them , or bribing a way around them.

You can have as many new rules and regulations as you like but the desire in some people to make an illegal buck is so strong that unfortunately there will always be corruption.

[bassman]

blah, blah, blah...when will the interested parties give up on there ever being an impeachment? Will not happen and will be postponed forever.

[mango66]

It is just to prolong the old system;

All thisn new NLA memebers want continou with old style !

La Viva corruption ! Go ahead gvt officials as before !!

Nothing can happen to you, except " inactive post " work less than before !!

No impeachment for any Gvt official and officer from the past

and for the future ! Please guarantee for the next century !!

No one of them want real to change;

They just wait to be full in office to get their benefit !!

General !!

The upper 100.000 in Thai dont want to change this corrupt foidal system !!

If you want to change it,

you should not have selected 165 memebers from this corrupt elite,

you should have selected normal hard working thai people,

and if you could not find so much under Thais population,

take some Burmese from the construction sites, except KT !

[rickirs]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The challenge is, how can they prosecute these people under the constitution that is no longer in force?

With no constitution to replace it there is something of a vacuum.

Catch 22.

The other problem is how can the NLA impeach these people for violating the 2007 Constitution while not also impeaching the current PM who too violated the 2007 Constitution by military coup? Gen. Prayut himself has stated that was an illegal act. Oh wait, the NCPO with gen. Prayut as Secretary-General put into the Interim Charter an amensty provision for themselves, the very same kind of act for which the Yingluck administration was crucufied for doing. The NLA might do better to grant amensty without impreachment - must check with Gen. Prayut first.

'If this were a dictatorship it would be a heck of a lot easier... as long as I'm the dictator. Hehehe.' - POTUS George W. Bush

[rubl]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The challenge is, how can they prosecute these people under the constitution that is no longer in force?

With no constitution to replace it there is something of a vacuum.

Catch 22.

The other problem is how can the NLA impeach these people for violating the 2007 Constitution while not also impeaching the current PM who too violated the 2007 Constitution by military coup? Gen. Prayut himself has stated that was an illegal act. Oh wait, the NCPO with gen. Prayut as Secretary-General put into the Interim Charter an amensty provision for themselves, the very same kind of act for which the Yingluck administration was crucufied for doing. The NLA might do better to grant amensty without impreachment - must check with Gen. Prayut first.

'If this were a dictatorship it would be a heck of a lot easier... as long as I'm the dictator. Hehehe.' - POTUS George W. Bush

You should read up on current laws and constitutions, help you prevent making somewhat less intelligent remarks.

So, here we have the NLA deciding not to impeach some guys and do so indefinitely. As for Ms. Yingluck being crucified, that's still to happen, Better hurry, you may still be able to buy tickets for the event of the year

[Robby nz]

A slightly different story in the BKK post this morning.

Not that the report was incomplete but because many of them have not read the 5000 pages therefor don't know the whole story.

Seems some of them are worried that if these two and the next one are impeached it might cause trouble, as in the reds may be upset and riot again.

So we let them get away with crime because of a threat of more crime if we do them.

Others are worried about themselves, there may be legal problems for them later if they go ahead with this.

Good idea, let them get away with it because they might cause more trouble, that the law has been broken doesn't come into it.

Possibly you have picked some of the wrong people General.

"Seems some of them are worried that if these two and the next one are impeached it might cause trouble, as in the reds may be upset and riot again. So we let them get away with crime because of a threat of more crime if we do them".

Well thank you for presenting your opinion as fact, but the "decision" to postpone indefinitely the question of "will they/won't they" impeachment probably has more to do with doubts about the legality of such an action, and the fact that if this impeachment went ahead it would pave the way for the impeachment of 308 MPs and Senators. The NACC and in particular, Vicha Mahakhun, might think that is a good idea, but it appears others do not............ so far.

Your statement that O'cha may have possibly picked "some of the wrong people" is so telling.

“The NACC [at this point] based its decision on the Constitution Court’s ruling which also covers the part about the falsified draft charter amendment, (…) Basically, the 308 MPs and senators were involved in proposing the draft, so they should be aware that the draft was fake and they should be responsible for their actions,” [NACC member Vicha Mahakhun] said.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/118006/thailands-nacc-ruling-why-it-happened-and-what-it-means/

Of course, Vicha Mahakhun's integrity is beyond question and will not allow any personal enmity* to cloud his judgement

*Vicha Mahakhun, former member of the junta appointed NCCC (the forerunner to the NACC), blocked from getting onto the Election Commission in 2006 by the TRT, majorly involved in cases against Thaksin in 2008, not to mention his many irrelevant public pronouncements about Yingluck during the Rice Price Pledging Scheme investigation......................

Thank you for your 'opinion' but as I have seen your opinions before and know how skewed they are I think it best to discount it.

Incidentally nothing has ever been denied about the illegality of their actions for that is obvious to anyone who has followed the debacle that they acted outside the law.

They have not themselves denied their actions were outside the law, all the arguments are about procedure and which law should and should not apply.

Just because a law (constitution) has been changed should not mean that a crime committed against the previous law should be void.

You are right about Thaksin , he is extremely vindictive and will lash out at anyone who he thinks will get in his way.

[tbthailand]

amid legal doubts over whether this is possible because the 2007 Constitution, which details the process of impeachment, was abolished after the coup on May 22

The Thai courts threw out an appeal calling for an investigation into an alleged torture case in the South. The alleged torture took place prior to the coup. The reason given by the court : the 2007 constitution under which the human rights are guaranteed no longer exists.

While throwing out a case about alleged torture by the military seems in-line with the current political winds and finding such an excuse as the fact that the constitution of the country at that time is no longer the law of the land is convenient.

But.......... It does put the current desire for political revenge in this impeachment case on shaky ground.

[jesimps]

A secret and closed meeting. What happened to accountability and transparency?

The junta happened.

[jesimps]

It is just to prolong the old system;

All thisn new NLA memebers want continou with old style !

La Viva corruption ! Go ahead gvt officials as before !!

Nothing can happen to you, except " inactive post " work less than before !!

No impeachment for any Gvt official and officer from the past

and for the future ! Please guarantee for the next century !!

No one of them want real to change;

They just wait to be full in office to get their benefit !!

General !!

The upper 100.000 in Thai dont want to change this corrupt foidal system !!

If you want to change it,

you should not have selected 165 memebers from this corrupt elite,

you should have selected normal hard working thai people,

and if you could not find so much under Thais population,

take some Burmese from the construction sites, except KT !

Translation please!

[NeverSure]

Chill out, man.

Oh, and try not to ask questions if you're not interested in getting answers because you'll give your own answers.

Actually I didn't even agree with the 'dangerous to vote' part and least of all the suggestion by voting like they did those NLA members will now be investigated. It seems a bit of trying to put fear in people, suggest more than proof, hint at something obviously sinister. IMHO

Do you really believe that with just one man holding all of the power in the country that these NLA members are free to vote as they wish?

With just one man being the constitution and the law as he sees fit, do you think it possible that the color of shirts has anything to do with it? Or less troublesome, do you think it's possible that one man doesn't want to stir up a hornet's nest he has to deal with?

Are you mistakenly seeing an elected body which is free to vote on behalf of voters and the country according to some imaginary laws which don't exist any more?

Do you believe there is a democracy where the majority should rule?

Edited October 18, 2014 by NeverSure

[rubl]

Chill out, man.

Oh, and try not to ask questions if you're not interested in getting answers because you'll give your own answers.

Actually I didn't even agree with the 'dangerous to vote' part and least of all the suggestion by voting like they did those NLA members will now be investigated. It seems a bit of trying to put fear in people, suggest more than proof, hint at something obviously sinister. IMHO

Do you really believe that with just one man holding all of the power in the country that these NLA members are free to vote as they wish?

With just one man being the constitution and the law as he sees fit, do you think it possible that the color of shirts has anything to do with it? Or less troublesome, do you think it's possible that one man doesn't want to stir up a hornet's nest he has to deal with?

Are you mistakenly seeing an elected body which is free to vote on behalf of voters and the country according to some imaginary laws which don't exist any more?

Do you believe there is a democracy where the majority should rule?

Well, if the NLA is not free to vote as they wish, did someone 'force' this voting behaviour upon them and thereby causing this result?

If the NLA is not free to vote, but ordered on how to vote, why should they need to fear when doing so?

You can't have it both ways, now can you?

[NeverSure]

Chill out, man.

Oh, and try not to ask questions if you're not interested in getting answers because you'll give your own answers.

Actually I didn't even agree with the 'dangerous to vote' part and least of all the suggestion by voting like they did those NLA members will now be investigated. It seems a bit of trying to put fear in people, suggest more than proof, hint at something obviously sinister. IMHO

Do you really believe that with just one man holding all of the power in the country that these NLA members are free to vote as they wish?

With just one man being the constitution and the law as he sees fit, do you think it possible that the color of shirts has anything to do with it? Or less troublesome, do you think it's possible that one man doesn't want to stir up a hornet's nest he has to deal with?

Are you mistakenly seeing an elected body which is free to vote on behalf of voters and the country according to some imaginary laws which don't exist any more?

Do you believe there is a democracy where the majority should rule?

Well, if the NLA is not free to vote as they wish, did someone 'force' this voting behaviour upon them and thereby causing this result?

If the NLA is not free to vote, but ordered on how to vote, why should they need to fear when doing so?

You can't have it both ways, now can you?

"If the NLA is not free to vote, but ordered on how to vote, why should they need to fear when doing so?"

Maybe because "someone" doesn't want any public dissention and no matter how the vote went, one group would be unhappy? Sweep it all under the rug and hope it goes away?

FWIW, I suspect that's why Yingluck hasn't been brought up for hearings. One side might blow a cork and prevent "happiness for (all) the people."

[Scott]

An inappropriate link and post has been removed along with replies.