Thai politics: Govt may drop cases against politicians for sake of peace

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Junta may drop cases against politicians for sake of peace
KRIS BHROMSUTHI

BANGKOK: -- Moves to impeach former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, former Senate speaker Nikom Wairatpanij and former House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont, plus 38 former senators are expected to be decided by members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) by early next month.

These cases are some of the most highly anticipated issues since General Prayut Chan-o-cha staged the coup on May 22 because, from a political perspective, they will demonstrate the junta's capacity for flexibility and compromise in negotiating peace and reconciliation with key adversaries.

Indeed, the impeachment cases are more political than a fight for justice and or a battle of legal technicalities.

This was evident from the closed-door meeting when NLA members debated whether they should accept the impeachment case of Somsak and Nikom back in October last year.

The only reason for that was, in the context of national interest, there were fears of adverse reactions from people if they had heard of the sensitive topics that were discussed.

NLA members had their "role" to play - those who want to argue for or against accepting the impeachment cases may be hesitant to do so, fearing criticism.

The purpose of the closed-door meeting was to allow members to "speak their hearts" on a highly politicised issue without fear of scrutiny.

However, if it were to be merely a discussion about legal technicalities, there would have been no need for such a closed-door meeting.

And since these impeachment cases can be classified as highly political, there is strong reason to believe that Yingluck, Somsak, Nikom, plus the 38 other former senators will be let off the hook.

This is mainly because the junta has put high emphasis on security - by their decision to maintain martial law, their policy to "delay" local administration elections, and their refusal to confirm whether a referendum will be held on the new constitution, saying it depends on the security situation at the time. All of these actions came at great political cost, but the military was willing to do this to ensure security and stability.

Any decision by the NLA to impeach the former premier and her allies would have shaken the apparent peace in Thai society, as Pheu Thai and Thaksin sympathisers have questioned and rejected the legitimacy of the junta's appointed legislators from the start.

Deputy NLA President Peerasak Porchit came out yesterday to assure the public that each NLA member was free to vote as per their conscience, though people find this difficult to believe.

And, it is easy to assume that certain groups of people will be infuriated if the NLA decides to impeach some of their leaders.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva noted recently that the impeachment cases in the NLA and the economy are two key matters that could become obstacles in the Prayut administration's work and progress.

Red-shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn said yesterday that if the NLA members decide they should vote in favour of impeachment, the red shirts are unlikely to organise movements because of martial law. However, he was sure that one or more decisions to impeach these people would fuel anger that could erupt in the foreseeable future.

Because of the political sensitivity and the potential consequences that could threaten security and stability, the impeachment cases have become political issues, rather than legal battles to distinguish between guilt and innocence.

The junta has the capacity not to go ahead with these impeachment cases in exchange for peace and order, as if to say: "Off you go. But stay quiet and let us get on with our jobs."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Junta-may-drop-cases-against-politicians-for-sake--30251266.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-06

[siampolee]

The road to stability is not an easy one however there is it seems a little common sense appearing, of course it won't suit all from any of the sides however the child of reconciliation has in the past has often had a somewhat difficult and indeed painful birth.

The art of compromise is a difficult one to employ when rearing a child let alone a reconciliation process such as we seem to see currently emerging here in Thailand.

My suggestions are that all those tainted with suspicion irrespective of political hues should be barred from participating in public life and political matters for life, one accepts that they would no doubt have some influence on matters, but if like a poisonous snake they are ''defanged'' the visual affect might be somewhat daunting but reality dictates fangless wonders.

[LuckyLew]

If they have done wrong in the past, they must be held to account

Bringing stability back to Thailand will take some tough choices and some hard decisions

but they must be made.

You cannot let people of on a free pass

[Caveat Emptor]

Reconciliation would be great but with Thailand's fractured political attitudes i doubt dropping charges against YL and others will achieve anything other than reinforcing the idea for many that if you are important you can get away with anything.

Politicians, officials and others in positions of authority don't need any encouragement to do pretty much as they like and where there's no fear of prosecution it does nothing to make them toe the line.

[ramrod711]

This was evident from the closed-door meeting when NLA members debated whether they should accept the impeachment case of Somsak and Nikom back in October last year.

The only reason for that was, in the context of national interest, there were fears of adverse reactions from people if they had heard of the sensitive topics that were discussed.

It is always better to keep the people uninformed and unexposed to sensitive topics. The fact that it is their country, and their business should be of no importance to those in power.

[awayego]

Well, no surprise there then!

Quite a few of us saw this coming months ago.

[The stuttering parrot]

Tainted with suspicion siampolee?

Banned from politics and public life.?

Why not just burn them at the stake !

No trial just suspicion!

Innocent until proven guilty I thought and not judged by an unelected military court but in the court of the people.

[marinediscoking]

I guess now the Junta are starting realize now matter what they do the political lines are clearly draw in Thailand as is the case in most democracy's. Since the last 2 coups I have not met a single Thai who has changed sides, they have picked their "horse" and they are staying with it. None of the daily "reform, corruption cleanup, stability, bike paths or lets all be happy press releases have changed their opinion one bit. One thing I have noticed is they all feel powerless to change anything and have to put on a good face and accept it. Although the yellows I know are not complaining about anything as they were before.

[ChrisY1]

Amnesty next.........

[worgeordie]

Seems to be the norm here ,if your rich and influential,

no matter what you do you will never pay for your crimes,

while the poor are given the bums rush,straight to the nick,

no years of appeals for them.

Until this is corrected,the majority of the population will be

second class citizens,with little chance at real justice,and

forever under the heel of the privileged.

regards Worgeordie

[bangkokheat]

this is why yingluck hasnt relocated to warmer pastures, she appears too relaxed about it all, not at all surprised she has known about this long time ago, OR she has sensitive info about the other political crooks and they just protecting their own arse

[DKUNPUTAF713]

Well I see NATION has taken my advice and has referred to JUNTA rather than government at least in this article!

[ezzra]

By doing that, all politicians and would be politicians in Thailand will be affirmed what has

been known for generations, you can cheat, steal, lie, bribe and flaunt the laws of the land

because some day, some how, there will be an amnesty for all your misdeeds and you

will be absolved of all your sins and you can keep what ever ill gotten gains you have

made while being a dishonest, criminal politician in the service of the Thai people....

[tonbridgebrit]

Seems to be the norm here ,if your rich and influential,

no matter what you do you will never pay for your crimes,

while the poor are given the bums rush,straight to the nick,

no years of appeals for them.

Until this is corrected,the majority of the population will be

second class citizens,with little chance at real justice,and

forever under the heel of the privileged.

regards Worgeordie

Well, it might be a good idea to target the richest 2% or 5% of Thailand's people, and start reducing their wealth. How about higher taxes for Thailand's richest people, and use the tax income to start new projects. Projects that will try to close the gap between rich and poor in Thailand ??

But this is unlikely to happen. Thailand's rich, basically own and control Thailand. The rich are mainly a bunch of Chinese who have been in Thailand for generations, and they wear yellow rather than red.

[tx22cb]

My thoughts ....

This is a charade, a facade for the masses. Deals have been done behind closed doors months ago.

The question is - will someone break their side of the agreement, or (worse) reveal that a deal was made (and by whom)?

[jollyman]

All politically motivated the last 12 years round and around so that the fanatical yellow brigade could re take power

[PatOngo]

Amnesty next.........

.........and of course........compensation.

[Bocking]

A few months ago, I was all for bringing these ‘servants of the people’ before the courts, and if found guilty, sequestrating their assets, locking them in cells and throwing away the keys. However, now I wonder what would that really achieve? Following Thaksin’s conviction, did his support diminish? No, his supporters simply cried ‘foul’ and carried on regardless.

However, if they decide to simply drop all charges, in the interests of security and reconciliation, then those same supporters will probably claim that the cases were dropped because there was no evidence, because there was no wrong-doing in the first place. This could create new and deeper anger against the current military leadership who deposed a democratically elected government, in part, on the basis of charges that were subsequently dropped.

On the other hand, if charges were dropped in the name of reconciliation, then PTP/UDD could possibly shout ‘fair-play’ to the General for introducing an ‘Amnesty Bill-Lite’. However, I certainly wouldn’t bet the farm on that reaction happening.

[z42]

Surely by not applying any sanctions, punishments or anything then it is surely just condoning the actions in future. Surely this card can be played repeatedly if it's ok just once. All the while those who are forced to steal out of hardship are given years in jail. As long as 2 tier justice systems are openly operating then the country will never prosper.
I love Thailand but the vast vast majority of the politicians here should be thoroughly ashamed. They're holding the country and its people back for their own gains, be it financial or for favours / allowances. Disgusting

[Eric Loh]

Got to agree with the statement that the NACC cases are more political than fight for justice or legal technicalities. Like the EC, the NACC has displayed prejudice and seen as selective targeting their opponents. There are cases like the malfeasance charges for the CRES 2010 actions and the Dem rice scheme that have been going for ages while the current cases have been rushed jobs. This is a fact not perception that infuriate the Reds that they have never been treated equally and have always been subjected to the elites power moves.

[Tatsujin]

Nothing changes, the cycle of politics, amnesty, reconciliation, protests et al continues as normal here in LoS.

I've said it before, ban ALL politicians and parties for life, on both sides, and start with a clean slate and some new younger faces and more parties. Never happen I know, too many vested interests on both sides to allow anything "too" radical to happen here.

[rubl]

Tainted with suspicion siampolee?

Banned from politics and public life.?

Why not just burn them at the stake !

No trial just suspicion!

Innocent until proven guilty I thought and not judged by an unelected military court but in the court of the people.

Totally agree. A "people's court" is also more likely to approve of burning at the stake.

[Lupatria]

Why having laws at all when they are only used to control the not wealthy majority?

[Smokemachine]

I guess Thailand will be the same as always. I pity for those who got hurt and dead for nothing.

[Bakseeda]

Tainted with suspicion siampolee? Banned from politics and public life.?

Why not just burn them at the stake !

No trial just suspicion!

Innocent until proven guilty I thought and not judged by an unelected military court but in the court of the people.

I agree with you 100% ..... Why not just burn them at the stake.... Great idea..!

[Bakseeda]

SORRY ANOTHER DOUBLE POST

Edited January 6, 2015 by Bakseeda

[Bakseeda]

DOUBLE POST

Edited January 6, 2015 by Bakseeda

[Bakseeda]

double post ..sorry.

Edited January 6, 2015 by Bakseeda

[sead]

This is how you gain control of high oficials in future. Do our bidding or we will take up your case again.

[BangkokHank]

If the government drops the cases against politicians for the sake of peace, shouldn't they do the same for ALL criminals? Why should one group of criminals have advantages over other criminals? This is unfair to non-politician criminals.