Pheu Thai's decision to push through the amnesty bill was a mistake: Weng

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SPECIAL REPORT
Pheu Thai's decision to push through the amnesty bill was a mistake: Weng
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation


Weng

BANGKOK: -- One year after the controversial blanket amnesty bill was pushed through just before dawn by the then-ruling Pheu Thai Party, red-shirt co-leader and former Pheu Thai MP Weng Tojirakan still says it was a grave mistake that led to the downfall of Yingluck Shinawatra's government.

He explained that it was at that moment that the anti-Thaksin Shinawatra forces managed to gain the critical mass to become a force to be reckoned with.

"It was like letting the genie out of the oil lamp - it went looking for a flying carpet, which took the form of the coup," he said, referring to the anti-Thaksin People's Democratic Reform Committee and the subsequent May 22 military takeover.

Only four Pheu Thai MPs, Weng included, abstained from voting for the controversial bill, which would have absolved Thaksin and others, including those who had a hand in the deadly crackdown on red-shirt protesters in May 2010, which led to almost a hundred deaths.

Weng recalled how the Pheu Thai whip tried to convince him to back the bill, but he said he was tired of seeing people being slaughtered on the streets during political protests and people getting away with impunity time and again.

Despite, the red-shirt United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)'s official opposition to the bill, key members like Jitra Kotchadej say UDD's move was too little and too insincere.

A red-shirt faction was disillusioned by Pheu Thai Party's move and the UDD's refusal to take a stronger stance against the bill - which ended up being the last straw for some of these so-called progressive red shirts.

"That incident led to divisions, people began seeing each other's real ideology," Jitra said. Though she still considers herself a red shirt, she is now working as adviser to a new political party called the Democratic Force Party.

"This split was all apparent and permanent," Jitra said, referring to the so-called progressive red-shirts moving away from those under the leadership of the UDD.

Weng, however, was defensive, insisting that only 1,000 or so people had abandoned the UDD.

"It is up to them to decide whether or not they want to be with the UDD. These so-called educated reds may look at the UDD negatively, but that's okay. I have been in touch with many grassroots people and they insist that they're still with us," Weng said, adding that the UDD denounced the use of violence though some reds have been tempted to resort to violent behaviour. At the same time, Weng said, the UDD would have nothing to do with the red-shirts who are anti-monarchists or those who want to change the lese majeste law.

He insisted that the UDD was still strong and that its new satellite TV station, Peace TV, was gaining more loyal viewers and was now, according to a survey by PSI Rating, ranked No 7 in comparison to some 30 stations surveyed. He pointed out that Peace TV was ahead of Thai PBS, Thairath TV and even the Army-run Channel 5.

The red-shirt co-leader said the very fact that some 20,000 to 30,000 red shirts had shown up at late Pheu Thai MP and former deputy House speaker Colonel Apiwan Viriyachai's funeral recently indicated that the red shirts were still united and strong.

One year on, Thaksin and Yingluck's supporters still discount the significance of the controversial bill, saying that Yingluck's enemies were going to remove her anyway, and that it was just a matter of time before they found an "excuse" to take to the streets and call for a military coup.

At the same time, there are those who believe in a conspiracy story suggesting that Thaksin and Yingluck had been fooled by the so-called "old-elite" clique that allegedly promised to support the bill only to betray them later.

Either way, dozens of what can be deemed as political prisoners are still languishing in prison, while Thaksin and his sister Yingluck still remain forces to be reckoned with and subjects of deep hatred for some.

Though Yingluck was removed by the Constitutional Court shortly before the coup took place, she now faces possible impeachment by the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly, which could see her banned from politics for several years. Yet, many of her supporters on social media still believe that she will return as the next elected prime minister.

The future of Pheu Thai Party, meanwhile, appears to be uncertain. Its leader Jarupong Ruangsuwan resigned in June to lead the anti-coup Free Thai Movement overseas. Yet, he seems to have gone quiet recently.

Suda Rangkupan, a staunch supporter of the blanket amnesty bill, is also a fugitive after ignoring the junta's summonses.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Pheu-Thais-decision-to-push-through-the-amnesty-bi-30246651.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-31

[sscsamui]

The Pheu Thai Party is all washed out and hope it stays that way...We don't need politicians like them and their on the run criminal leader. I am happy that Khun Prayuth is at the helm at this time when Thailand needs Change in a better direction.

[RustBucket]

This is actually an accurate timescale of events.

Farnags were all saying this (with exception to red supporters) over a year ago.

It takes a Thai a year to come to the same conclusion.

That's about par for the course.

It's about time farangs were allowed into Thai politics as a 'best men for the job' policy. Thailand might eventually start to move forwards.

Edited October 30, 2014 by RustBucket

[chooka]

Weng is my grandfather's double, spitting image, the only difference is my grandfather is Chinese and not Thai.

Edited October 30, 2014 by chooka

[RustBucket]

Weng is my grandfather's double, spitting image, the only difference is my grandfather is Chinese and not Thai.

Most of the influential Thais in top positions are of Chinese decent anyway. Such is the grip on power the Chinese have over this country.

[zaphod reborn]

'n

This is actually an accurate timescale of events.

Farnags were all saying this (with exception to red supporters) over a year ago.

It takes a Thai a year to come to the same conclusion.

That's about par for the course.

It's about time farangs were allowed into Thai politics as a 'best men for the job' policy. Thailand might eventually start to move forwards.

Yes, but once again, PTP fails to take responsibility for the violent acts of its members. When anti-government protesters took to the streets, PTP and UDD extremists responded with attacks, mostly intended to intimidate, but some causing death and mayhem. Until PTP repudiates the violence of its extremists, it can never be a legitimate political party, only thugs. Edited October 30, 2014 by zaphod reborn

[Robby nz]

Either way, dozens of what can be deemed as political prisoners are still languishing in prison, while Thaksin and his sister Yingluck still remain forces to be reckoned with and subjects of deep hatred for some.

These so called 'political prisoners' are the ones convicted by criminal courts of offences such as burning down Govt buildings.

They are in effect pawns in Thaksins game for if they had indeed been political prisoners the Yingluck Govt had it in their power to get them out of jail while they were in power.

We see the leaders like Weng and Jutaporn who are all charged with serious offences out on bail while the little, so called 'political prisoners' are still locked up.

No bail for the cannon fodder, they are more use locked up where it can be claimed that they are being held as political prisoners.

But those who are still locked up know better, they know they have never had any help from PT,UDD or anyone else and know the cant expect any.

I watched an interview with one of them who had been released after serving his sentence and he said that when they were first locked up they were kept in separate cells from the leaders who were in the same prison. The leader received visits from their lawyers and friends with gifts of food, far more than they could eat but not one scarp was ever given to the rank and file, indeed he said they were completely ignored, no lawyers, nothing.

[Robroona]

Weng is my grandfather's double, spitting image, the only difference is my grandfather is Chinese and not Thai.

x

Pray tell us what this means in the context of this thread? Buggered if I can get your point

[ezzra]

It really should read Thaksin decision to push for amnesty... Pheu Thai are nothing but a bunch

of puppet on the baht's string dangling from Thaksin purse.....

Edited October 31, 2014 by ezzra

[craigt3365]

Weng is my grandfather's double, spitting image, the only difference is my grandfather is Chinese and not Thai.

Weng is of Chinese descent, just happened to be born here in Thailand.

[carbine1125]

This is actually an accurate timescale of events.

Farnags were all saying this (with exception to red supporters) over a year ago.

It takes a Thai a year to come to the same conclusion.

That's about par for the course.

It's about time farangs were allowed into Thai politics as a 'best men for the job' policy. Thailand might eventually start to move forwards.

Yeah like we really need Thailand to end up like the UK or the USA!

[tbthailand]

good luck to the progressives in Thailand. The elite will have problems when people assume their own rights and dignity. But elite were warned of this long, long ago.

[ginjag]

The headline to the topic is exactly what was the downfall. But other matters of lousy governance added to the courts decision to take her out before the INTERVENTION.

Had it been a coup for real the military would have moved in earlier and took them out lock stock and barrel when they were in power. Never the less she was a gonner before Prayuth intervened.

[ramrod711]

I have been in touch with many grassroots people and they insist that they're still with us," Weng said, adding that the UDD denounced the use of violence though some reds have been tempted to resort to violent behaviour.

We saw how the UDD denounced violence when they all stood and cheered after the deaths in Trat. Weng still seems able to twist the facts to fit any situation.

[ramrod711]

good luck to the progressives in Thailand. The elite will have problems when people assume their own rights and dignity. But elite were warned of this long, long ago.

Good luck to anarchy, terrorism, arson and murder?

[ChesterB]

This is actually an accurate timescale of events.

Farnags were all saying this (with exception to red supporters) over a year ago.

It takes a Thai a year to come to the same conclusion.

That's about par for the course.

It's about time farangs were allowed into Thai politics as a 'best men for the job' policy. Thailand might eventually start to move forwards.

Yes, but once again, PTP fails to take responsibility for the violent acts of its members. When anti-government protesters took to the streets, PTP and UDD extremists responded with attacks, mostly intended to intimidate, but some causing death and mayhem. Until PTP repudiates the violence of its extremists, it can never be a legitimate political party, only thugs.

Chronologically, the PTP/UDD needs to repudiate the actions of their violent elements for 2007, 2009, 2010, and as you mention, 2014.

[The stuttering parrot]

The PTP are alive and well and just biding their time until the next election.

I look forward to 2015 when the nation will ramp up the attack on the PTP and try and get the yellows over the line.

It ain't going to happen no matter how hard they try as the people just won't cop being robbed twice.

And as for yet another example of getting people offside just look at the 500 odd poor homeless farmers have been kicked off the land for forrest encroachment by the army and the treatment their receiving by the army.

Yeah cheer them on.

Shameful

[ginjag]

The PTP are alive and well and just biding their time until the next election.

I look forward to 2015 when the nation will ramp up the attack on the PTP and try and get the yellows over the line.

It ain't going to happen no matter how hard they try as the people just won't cop being robbed twice.

And as for yet another example of getting people offside just look at the 500 odd poor homeless farmers have been kicked off the land for forrest encroachment by the army and the treatment their receiving by the army.

Yeah cheer them on.

Shameful

Is that your defense ???? pathetic.

[WhizBang]

Pheu Thai's decision to push through the amnesty bill was a mistake: Weng

No sh!t Sherlock. It has taken you this long to figue it out?

Also, it was Thaksin who ORDERED the PTP to ram through the amnisty bill. Patience is not one of Thaksin's virtues.

[rametindallas]

This is actually an accurate timescale of events.

Farnags were all saying this (with exception to red supporters) over a year ago.

It takes a Thai a year to come to the same conclusion.

That's about par for the course.

It's about time farangs were allowed into Thai politics as a 'best men for the job' policy. Thailand might eventually start to move forwards.

It takes a Thai a year to come to the same conclusion.

Weng was saying this at the time of the vote and was one of only four PTP MPs to abstain from voting for blanket amnesty. Saying this now is merely, "I told you so" to the PTP and the pro-Thaksin factions of the UDD, as the rank and file were against blanket amnesty and wanted Abhisit and Suthep prosecuted for murder. Chalerm is the one who is just now coming to the conclusion that the blanket amnesty law precipitated the downfall of PTP. Maybe you are referring to Chalerm taking a year to come to the same conclusion as the far-seeing Farnags. My own opinion is that Thaksin put out feelers to the military and got back deception, which he foolishly believed (remember his secretly recorded conversation with the then Minister of Defense expressing his confidence the military would stay out of it and even look favorably on it?), and gave the go-ahead to his puppet party to ram the bill through with all due haste before the opposition could object. Again, overconfidence is Dr. Thaksin's Achilles Heel. I have a lot more respect for Weng's intellect with this admission than previously. Anyway, whatever anyone says now will just be footnotes in future history books. As for Farangs getting into Thai politics, first, Thailand is ungovernable, and second, only the worst sort of Farang politician would be attracted to campaign here. It is better we just sit back, open another beer, and enjoy the show.

[ChesterB]

Pheu Thai's decision to push through the amnesty bill was a mistake: Weng

No sh!t Sherlock. It has taken you this long to figue it out?

Also, it was Thaksin who ORDERED the PTP to ram through the amnesty bill. Patience is not one of Thaksin's virtues.

also from the OP:

Only four Pheu Thai MPs, Weng included, abstained from voting for the controversial bill, which would have absolved Thaksin and others, including those who had a hand in the deadly crackdown on red-shirt protesters in May 2010

And even Weng wouldn't vote against the bill... even though it would exonerate those that allegedly were responsible for the deaths of his so-called beloved Red Shirts.

Nope, he and few of his other Red Shirt leaders who were Pheu Thai MP's, abstained, while the majority of the of the other Red Shirted MP's actually voted in favor of absolving any and all of guilt. Betrayed their own supposed followers.

[robblok]

'n

This is actually an accurate timescale of events.

Farnags were all saying this (with exception to red supporters) over a year ago.

It takes a Thai a year to come to the same conclusion.

That's about par for the course.

It's about time farangs were allowed into Thai politics as a 'best men for the job' policy. Thailand might eventually start to move forwards.

Yes, but once again, PTP fails to take responsibility for the violent acts of its members. When anti-government protesters took to the streets, PTP and UDD extremists responded with attacks, mostly intended to intimidate, but some causing death and mayhem. Until PTP repudiates the violence of its extremists, it can never be a legitimate political party, only thugs.

I mentioned it time and again that the amnesty bill was the downfall of the PTP good to see it confirmed by the "enemy". They are to blame for the coup.. or actually Thaksin his amnesty.

Anyway the fact that the PTP goverment hid the terrorists and did not do much to find them made the coup ok. Nobody likes it when a goverment defends terrorists.

In the end the coup is the result of Thaksin his ego, it would not have happened if there was no amnesty.

[Fat Haggis]

It really should read Thaksin decision to push for amnesty... Pheu Thai are nothing but a bunch

of puppet on the baht's string dangling from Thaksin purse.....

All politicians are somebody's puppet, you don't think the current PM is acting all on his own do you ?? He's taking his cues from someone pulling his strings behind the scenes

[z42]

I'm confused, pushing an amnesty bill through in general is wrong, or pushing an amnesty bill through at 4am is wrong?

[ginjag]

It really should read Thaksin decision to push for amnesty... Pheu Thai are nothing but a bunch

of puppet on the baht's string dangling from Thaksin purse.....

All politicians are somebody's puppet, you don't think the current PM is acting all on his own do you ?? He's taking his cues from someone pulling his strings behind the scenes

Hey switching the topic ??? tell us who is pulling the PMs strings, think he has the power to do it alone, he may have people back him as all VIP have.

[ChesterB]

It really should read Thaksin decision to push for amnesty... Pheu Thai are nothing but a bunch

of puppet on the baht's string dangling from Thaksin purse.....

All politicians are somebody's puppet, you don't think the current PM is acting all on his own do you ?? He's taking his cues from someone pulling his strings behind the scenes

Who?

[ginjag]

I'm confused, pushing an amnesty bill through in general is wrong, or pushing an amnesty bill through at 4am is wrong?

At first the bill did not include Thaksins convictions etc. the later 3-30 am did include hence the reason for the uproar. Just in a nutshell.

[ianf]

good luck to the progressives in Thailand. The elite will have problems when people assume their own rights and dignity. But elite were warned of this long, long ago.

Who are the progressives? Does the 'elite' not include Thaksin, his family and other wealthy cronies? I think people were warned of Thaksin's deep desire to be a dictator and establish a family dictatorship a long time ago. Elite? Off course he is.

[Fat Haggis]

It really should read Thaksin decision to push for amnesty... Pheu Thai are nothing but a bunch

of puppet on the baht's string dangling from Thaksin purse.....

All politicians are somebody's puppet, you don't think the current PM is acting all on his own do you ?? He's taking his cues from someone pulling his strings behind the scenes

Who?

Do your research on his background and the answer is there.

You seriously don't think he's acting out on his own accord do you?

[AleG]

Wake me up when Weng or other Red Shirt leader has a chance encounter with honesty and admits that shooting and bombing people for protesting against PTP was also a mistake.