NLA bars the broadcast of impeachment proceedings

[webfact]

NLA bars the broadcast of impeachment proceedings
Wiraj Sripong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Viewers will not be able to see a broadcast of the impeachment proceedings against top politicians from the Pheu Thai Party, including former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra on state-run NBT channel.

Yingluck's request for NBT to air the testimony was rejected by the National Legislative Assembly.

The NLA will today and tomorrow consider the impeachment motions against former Parliament president Somsak Kiatsuranon, former Parliament vice president Nikom Wairatpanich and Yingluck.

Pornpetch Wichitcholachai, president of the NLA, said meetings of the assembly were usually shown on Parliament's TV and radio channels, so there would be no need to televise the testimony through NBT.

"NLA sessions are already open to the public," he said.

Yingluck's legal team had made the request on Tuesday.

"This would be a good occasion to allow a wider public to be informed about this case," her lawyer Norawit Lalang said.

Sukhum Nualsakul, former rector of Ramkhamhaeng University, thought broadcasting Yingluck's testimony would help the public become better informed. However, he was concerned that the programme could be influenced by the political agendas of both the accused and accuser.

Attasit Pankaew, a political-science lecturer at Thammasat University, said the testimony had already attracted a lot of public attention. Widening access to Yingluck's trial would make it harder for the government to maintain political stability, he said.

This news story would already fill the media, so access to the information is not entirely closed.

"We should wait and see public reactions in the end," he said.

The NLA has not decided yet whether to allow eight persons to accompany Yingluck when she testifies as demanded by her lawyer. The decision would depend on the judgement of the NLA's members, Pornpetch said.

"There would be no problem if those who accompany Yingluck are only there to lend support to the former PM and not to be witnesses," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NLA-bars-the-broadcast-of-impeachment-proceedings-30251459.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-08

[JAG]

They really are scared of her arn't they.

its ironic really - although I rather like her, and think her reaction to last years shenanigans was admirable, I agree that she was probably not the most astute and sharpest political operator in Thailands recent political history.

However she really has managed to put the wind up all those who were born to rule.

Quite amusing really.

Good luck Yingluck!

[visionchaser45]

Transparency, eh?

[NeverSure]

Yup. It figures. They are afraid of her. No matter how much she did that was bad or good, they are afraid of her.

[visionchaser45]

Didn't Prayut outlaw "public reactions?"

[Mango Bob]

They must be afraid that the Thai people may hear the truth. They can't have that happen now, can they?

[Tatsujin]

They must be afraid that the Thai people may hear the truth. They can't have that happen now, can they?

Hearing the truth. Well, that would set a bad precedent. We certainly didn't ever hear anything close to the truth under any Thaksin-aligned Government, or any other, so why should it be different now?

[thesetat2013]

Wow! This article brought out all the Thak/YL sympathizers. Grab on to your comments guys because they didn't refuse to have it televised. They only refused it to be televised on NBT. Duh!!

It is still going to be on the air with other networks. I wish you all would read the article before you to twist it to show your support for the previous Gov.

Edited January 8, 2015 by thesetat2013

[Caveat Emptor]

Does YL's people really want her live on television and speaking in her own unique way with giggles, tears and maybe running away if the questions become tough ?

[NeverSure]

Wow! This article brought out all the Thank/YL sympathizers. Grab on to your comments guys because they didn't refuse to have it televised. They only refused it to be televised on NBT. Duh!!

It is still going to be on the air with other networks. I wish you all would read the article before you to twist it to show your support for the previous Gov.

I'm not a YS supporter at all. But I do think the current government is afraid of public reaction if they drop the hammer on her. I've been saying so all along.

[fishingforsquid]

Wow! This article brought out all the Thank/YL sympathizers. Grab on to your comments guys because they didn't refuse to have it televised. They only refused it to be televised on NBT. Duh!!

It is still going to be on the air with other networks. I wish you all would read the article before you to twist it to show your support for the previous Gov.

I think you will find that NBT would have been the only channel allowed to televise, so the other channels will only report what occurred, not actually relay the proceedings. I'm far from a YL sympathiser BTW.

[thesetat2013]

Wow! This article brought out all the Thank/YL sympathizers. Grab on to your comments guys because they didn't refuse to have it televised. They only refused it to be televised on NBT. Duh!!

It is still going to be on the air with other networks. I wish you all would read the article before you to twist it to show your support for the previous Gov.

I think you will find that NBT would have been the only channel allowed to televise, so the other channels will only report what occurred, not actually relay the proceedings. I'm far from a YL sympathiser BTW.

I think you will find that the article states these meetings are usually shown on parliament TV. Nothing in this article to support and our comment

[saakura]

NBT is a popular channel which almost every thai household views or has access to. Parliment TV is an obscure boring channel watched by a miniscule percentage, hence the request. Is that fair?

Edited January 8, 2015 by saakura

[chainarong]

Not a good look NLA, even though you have nothing to hide, just the ban will install distrust , sometimes Thai administrators handle situations without thinking of the ramifications, for every move there is a counter move.

Edited January 8, 2015 by chainarong

[chainarong]

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

NBT is a popular channel which almost every thai household views or has access to. Parliment TV is an obscure boring channel watched by a miniscule percentage, hence the request. Is that fair?

This is a very important part of Thai history, Invite all channels, then you have no favorites and nothing to hide, called press freedom.

Edited January 8, 2015 by chainarong

[webfact]

NLA: Opening statement of impeachment case against former PM Yingluck will be broadcast live

BANGKOK, 8 January 2015 (NNT) - The President of the National Legislative Assembly has assured that the opening of the deliberation of the impeachment case against the former prime minister on Friday will be broadcast live.

NLA President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said that the planned live broadcast of the delivery of the opening statement by the National Anti-Corruption Commission in the legislature’s deliberation of the impeachment case against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be carried out by NBT, generally known as Channel 11, and the Parliament Radio.

According to Mr. Pornpetch, such a plan should be sufficient to satisfy the proposal by Ms. Yingluck’s legal team for a live broadcast of the start of the case deliberation.

He went on to say that the timeframe of the proceeding of the case will be in accordance with the law, while estimating that the the case will be concluded at the end of this month.


-- NNT 2015-01-08

[fishingforsquid]

Wow! This article brought out all the Thank/YL sympathizers. Grab on to your comments guys because they didn't refuse to have it televised. They only refused it to be televised on NBT. Duh!!

It is still going to be on the air with other networks. I wish you all would read the article before you to twist it to show your support for the previous Gov.

I think you will find that NBT would have been the only channel allowed to televise, so the other channels will only report what occurred, not actually relay the proceedings. I'm far from a YL sympathiser BTW.

I think you will find that the article states these meetings are usually shown on parliament TV. Nothing in this article to support and our comment

My bad, I didn't read the article properly, just reacting to the continuation of the bad vs the very bad line.

Parliamentary TV hey, who would have known! (roll on floor smiley)

[casualbiker]

NBT is a popular channel which almost every thai household views or has access to. Parliment TV is an obscure boring channel watched by a miniscule percentage, hence the request. Is that fair?

If you want to watch Parliament then watch Parliament TV. What is so hard to fathom?

The point is this is business as usual for them, they are doing their jobs. All other channels have access to Parliament TV so can reshow it anytime they want.. this is Phua Thai PR bullshit for the masses.."oh they won't televise it" when in fact they are!

It would seem that they capitulated and changed their minds. It's on NBT as well.

Edited January 8, 2015 by casualbiker

[Nickymaster]

Yup. It figures. They are afraid of her. No matter how much she did that was bad or good, they are afraid of her.

What are you talking about? What do you mean by: Yup. It figures?

[Nickymaster]

They must be afraid that the Thai people may hear the truth. They can't have that happen now, can they?

This is exactly what the Shin clan want their red followers to think. The tactic of wanting people to believe that the impeachment proceedings would not be broadcasted. And therefor they MUST be afraid.

Sooo funny. You also fell for this trap.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Nickymaster

[NeverSure]

They must be afraid that the Thai people may hear the truth. They can't have that happen now, can they?

This is exactly what the Shin clan want their red followers to think. The tactic of wanting people to believe that the impeachment proceedings would not be broadcasted. And therefor they MUST be afraid.

Sooo funny. You also fell for this trap.

Let's see this through to the end. What is the max punishment if any if convicted?

[rubl]

So Ms. Yingluck may still shed a tear or two while reading her defence statement?

[rubl]

They must be afraid that the Thai people may hear the truth. They can't have that happen now, can they?

This is exactly what the Shin clan want their red followers to think. The tactic of wanting people to believe that the impeachment proceedings would not be broadcasted. And therefor they MUST be afraid.

Sooo funny. You also fell for this trap.

Let's see this through to the end. What is the max punishment if any if convicted?

If impeached a case may be raised with the Supreme Court for Office Holders which can convict with an sentence of five year ban on politics. Not sure they can do much else on 'negligence'. The case may also go to the Criminal Court in which case a conviction may include a sentencing to repay some and/or jail time.

Written without checking, hope this is correct.

Edited January 8, 2015 by rubl

[rickirs]

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

Wow! This article brought out all the Thak/YL sympathizers. Grab on to your comments guys because they didn't refuse to have it televised. They only refused it to be televised on NBT. Duh!!
It is still going to be on the air with other networks. I wish you all would read the article before you to twist it to show your support for the previous Gov.

"other networks" ?

All I read is Parliament's TV and radio channels. In view of the missed fact that the Juntya CONTROLS THE GOVERNMENT I don't think Parliament will necessarily have complete freedom to broadcast 100% of the proceedings. Especially if and when the Junta decides there is a "national security" issue in Thai people hearing any portion of the proceedings. Hopefully, those people who are able to physically witness the hearing can bring their smart phones and broadcast the proceedings to the PUBLIC without censorship.

[casualbiker]

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

Wow! This article brought out all the Thak/YL sympathizers. Grab on to your comments guys because they didn't refuse to have it televised. They only refused it to be televised on NBT. Duh!!

It is still going to be on the air with other networks. I wish you all would read the article before you to twist it to show your support for the previous Gov.

"other networks" ?

All I read is Parliament's TV and radio channels. In view of the missed fact that the Juntya CONTROLS THE GOVERNMENT I don't think Parliament will necessarily have complete freedom to broadcast 100% of the proceedings. Especially if and when the Junta decides there is a "national security" issue in Thai people hearing any portion of the proceedings. Hopefully, those people who are able to physically witness the hearing can bring their smart phones and broadcast the proceedings to the PUBLIC without censorship.

Bit late with this one.. they have already said it will be on NBT .. keep up!!!

And also honestly I don't know of a Parliament judicial session in the world that would allow the public to record it. But I may be wrong!

Edited January 8, 2015 by casualbiker

[JOC]

NLA: Opening statement of impeachment case against former PM Yingluck will be broadcast live

BANGKOK, 8 January 2015 (NNT) - The President of the National Legislative Assembly has assured that the opening of the deliberation of the impeachment case against the former prime minister on Friday will be broadcast live.

NLA President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said that the planned live broadcast of the delivery of the opening statement by the National Anti-Corruption Commission in the legislature’s deliberation of the impeachment case against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be carried out by NBT, generally known as Channel 11, and the Parliament Radio.

According to Mr. Pornpetch, such a plan should be sufficient to satisfy the proposal by Ms. Yingluck’s legal team for a live broadcast of the start of the case deliberation.

He went on to say that the timeframe of the proceeding of the case will be in accordance with the law, while estimating that the the case will be concluded at the end of this month.

-- NNT 2015-01-08

So we are going to hear the prosecutions side of the case, but not the reply from the defense!!

Transparency Prayut style.

[casualbiker]

NLA: Opening statement of impeachment case against former PM Yingluck will be broadcast live

BANGKOK, 8 January 2015 (NNT) - The President of the National Legislative Assembly has assured that the opening of the deliberation of the impeachment case against the former prime minister on Friday will be broadcast live.

NLA President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said that the planned live broadcast of the delivery of the opening statement by the National Anti-Corruption Commission in the legislature’s deliberation of the impeachment case against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be carried out by NBT, generally known as Channel 11, and the Parliament Radio.

According to Mr. Pornpetch, such a plan should be sufficient to satisfy the proposal by Ms. Yingluck’s legal team for a live broadcast of the start of the case deliberation.

He went on to say that the timeframe of the proceeding of the case will be in accordance with the law, while estimating that the the case will be concluded at the end of this month.

-- NNT 2015-01-08

So we are going to hear the prosecutions side of the case, but not the reply from the defense!!

Transparency Prayut style.

Where does it state that? Have the defense asked for their reply to be televised?

[Baerboxer]

They must be afraid that the Thai people may hear the truth. They can't have that happen now, can they?

The truth - from Yingluck's lips

Good one!

[Baerboxer]

She wants the opportunity to flutter those eyes, pout, and sob a few tears to show again what a good actress she can be and how she can deliver her brother's scripts when required.

Soap stars eat your hearts out.

I doubt she has any real worries. Unlikely she'll be impeached. Severely censured at best. A few token tears which will turn into outrageous laughter once she thinks any camera's are off. She knows she's got off with any accountability or punishment just as all those before, with the exception of BB who required sterner treatment.

[Baerboxer]

They really are scared of her arn't they.

its ironic really - although I rather like her, and think her reaction to last years shenanigans was admirable, I agree that she was probably not the most astute and sharpest political operator in Thailands recent political history.

However she really has managed to put the wind up all those who were born to rule.

Quite amusing really.

Good luck Yingluck!

I don't they're scared of her one bit. Her brother and his political machine is a different matter. None of the elite, including the Shins, really want to spoil things and start a serious tit for tat reprisals after taking power. Too many chops and changes at the top for that. Those in power today might need the same courtesy tomorrow.

I fail to understand how anyone can like a born into riches billionaire who pretends to be a PM whilst really doing what her criminal non elected fugitive brother instructs. The fact she vowed to pay farmers and did nothing to make it happen, failed to enforce law and order against those who murdered and attacked opponents and bystanders and willingly and repeatedly lies whilst in office makes me see her as somewhat despicable. She was, and is, totally loyal to her family and completely oblivious to anything else accept their interests and agenda.

I doubt she'll be punished in anyway, nor will any of the other seniors involved.