NLA spares 248 ex-MPs from impeachment

[Lite Beer]

NLA spares 248 ex-MPs from impeachment

BANGKOK, 14 August 2015 (NNT) – The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has resolved not to impeach 248 former MPs over their attempt to change the origin of senators under the 2007 Constitution.

NLA members attended an urgent meeting to consider the impeachment of 248 former MPs in accordance with Section 6 Paragraph 2 of the 2014 Interim Constitution and Section 64 of the Organic Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption 1999. The group was alleged of casting votes in support of an illegitimate move to amend the 2007 Constitution so as to alter the composition of the Senate.

The 248 ex-MPs were divided into three batches, namely 237 who voted for the charter amendment in all three readings, one who voted in the first and third readings, and ten who voted in the second and third readings.

The NLA members were called out one person at a time to cast their ballot for each group of defendants. In order for the impeachment to be approved, votes must be received from three-fifths or 132 of all the NLA members.

After more than four hours of vote counting, it was confirmed that none of the three groups was given a vote of higher than 132. As a result, all of the 248 former MPs survived the impeachment motion.

-- NNT 2015-08-14

[Lite Beer]

Ex-PM Yingluck gives moral support to party members as NLA mulls impeachment bid

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra showed up at the Pheu Thai party head office on Friday reportedly to give moral support to party members facing impeachment from the National Legislative Assembly.

The NLA was due to cast votes starting at 1 pm whether 248 former MPs of the coalition government, including Pheu Thai ex-MPs, should be impeached for their role in amending the previous charter to change the composition of the Senate.

Several ex-MPs of Pheu Thai party showed up at the party’s head office. Among them were acting secretary-general Poomtham Vetchayachai, acting party leader Pol Lt-Gen Viroj Pao-in, chief legal advisor Chusak Sirinil, Samart Kaewmeechai and Amnuay Klangpa.

Ms Yingluck joined her party members for lunch of Isan food which included som tum (papaya salad) and grilled chicken.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/ex-pm-yingluck-gives-moral-support-to-party-members-as-nla-mulls-impeachment-bid

-- Thai PBS 2015-08-14

[phoenixdoglover]

A brief moment of sanity prevails at the NLA. I would be interested to read follow-up articles to learn the reasons, both pro and con, from NLA members.

[Lite Beer]

Former MPs spared impeachment
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

Votes cast by the 220 members of the National Legislative Assembly on whether or not to impeach 248 former MPs are counted yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- ALMOST 250 ex-House of Representatives members survived impeachment by the National Legislative Assembly yesterday.

The 248 ex-members had been charged by the National Anti-Corruption Commission for amending the 2007 Constitution regarding the make-up of the Senate.

The NACC submitted the case to the NLA for impeachment, with the 248 divided into three groups based on their level of alleged guilt.

The first group involved the 237 MPs who signed up to support the amendment and voted to pass it in three readings. The second group involved an MP who signed up to support the amendment and voted to pass it in the second and third readings. The last group consisted of the 10 MPs who signed up to support the amendment and voted to pass it in the first and third readings.

At least three-fifths of the NLA, or 132 of its 220 members, had to vote to impeach for it to be successful. The NLA session, presided over by its president Pornpetch Wichitchol-chai, lasted more than seven hours. Starting from 10am, NLA members began casting their votes in a polling booth.

All groups were spared from impeachment, with "nay" votes ranging between 140 and 150, while "yes" votes were 55 to 65.

An NLA source on Thursday revealed that the vote would be positive for the former MPs. He said one of the reasons the majority of NLA members would vote to spare them was belief that their guilt was unclear, unlike the rice-subsidy case against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. It was their view that the former MPs had the right to amend the Constitution.

In addition, the source said 38 former senators had previously survived impeachment on the same grounds, so the same standard should apply. The source also said many NLA members feared another "political situation" because the ex-MPs would have received a lifetime political ban if impeached.

The Pheu Thai Party held a press conference in which it praised the NLA for voting against the impeachment. The party's acting chairman Viroj Pao-in, one of those facing impeachment, thanked the NLA for being fair.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Former-MPs-spared-impeachment-30266643.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-15

[Thai at Heart]

Wow. Sense at last. So does this mean what they did was legal

[BSJ]

The kiddies had their big boy pants on yesterday! Maybe they will get some work done on fixing the economy??? Did I just say that!

[tx22cb]

Impeachment needed 60% Yes votes - they got less than 30%.

But not over yet .... expect to hear from a certain ey-monk Suthep anon.

[NongKhaiKid]

Now folks when you're back in power just remember we didn't put the boot in.

[slapout]

A golden oppurnity missed to get a major portion of Thailands problem children out of the classroom and put in detention. But never mind there are several who will have to answer to other acts and charges which have or will be followed up on.

This is just their first hurddle to get over, voting with other people cards, attandance records, etc are still to be fully addressed.

[ramrod711]

A just decision, now when they face impeachment for the amnesty bill they should all get the boot.

[MaxLee]

So it means, business as usual, let the corruption continue.........

[Baerboxer]

A golden oppurnity missed to get a major portion of Thailands problem children out of the classroom and put in detention. But never mind there are several who will have to answer to other acts and charges which have or will be followed up on.

This is just their first hurddle to get over, voting with other people cards, attandance records, etc are still to be fully addressed.

They were doing the job they were elected to do, for once, trying to amend the law. That in itself isn't something they should be impeached for, just because someone didn't like the changes they were proposing. The NLA were correct and fair and most voted in accordance with that premise.

Now, illegally voting using others' cards, voting for absent colleagues, denying parliamentary procedure, and amending bills in process without following protocol i,e, cheating are different matters. And those responsible should face the consequences. But, not a blanket banning of all 248, whether they were involved or not.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Well, there's a shocker!!! Who would have ever expected that they'd be let off... not like that ever happens with Thai politicians.

[oneday]

This country was flirting with widespread chaos if that vote had gone through. As the poster in post #3 said...a moment of sanity.

[gemguy]

What has happened to her lately???....Anyone know?? ...as I thought she was going to be wacked by the National Anti-Corruption Commission ...or at least shamed and embarrassed.

Cheers

Edited August 15, 2015 by gemguy

[Srikcir]

A golden oppurnity missed to get a major portion of Thailands problem children out of the classroom and put in detention. But never mind there are several who will have to answer to other acts and charges which have or will be followed up on.

This is just their first hurddle to get over, voting with other people cards, attandance records, etc are still to be fully addressed.

They were doing the job they were elected to do, for once, trying to amend the law. That in itself isn't something they should be impeached for, just because someone didn't like the changes they were proposing. The NLA were correct and fair and most voted in accordance with that premise.

Now, illegally voting using others' cards, voting for absent colleagues, denying parliamentary procedure, and amending bills in process without following protocol i,e, cheating are different matters. And those responsible should face the consequences. But, not a blanket banning of all 248, whether they were involved or not.

"The NLA were correct and fair and most voted in accordance with that premise."

No it wasn’t

The article pointed out that the premise for voting against impeachment was that the 38 unelected former senators had previously survived impeachment on the grounds of unclear guilt and didn’t want to create a “political situation” with a guilty finding against the ex-MP’s.

In other words, the NLA majority vote was politically motivated.

[rubl]

A brief moment of sanity prevails at the NLA. I would be interested to read follow-up articles to learn the reasons, both pro and con, from NLA members.

More a case of justice prevails, but that wouldn't fit you, now would it?

BTW former PM Yingluck showing support at Pheu Thai head office ? Wasn't she one of the MP who voted, at least on the last reading if I remember correctly.

Edited August 16, 2015 by rubl

[rubl]

A golden oppurnity missed to get a major portion of Thailands problem children out of the classroom and put in detention. But never mind there are several who will have to answer to other acts and charges which have or will be followed up on.

This is just their first hurddle to get over, voting with other people cards, attandance records, etc are still to be fully addressed.

They were doing the job they were elected to do, for once, trying to amend the law. That in itself isn't something they should be impeached for, just because someone didn't like the changes they were proposing. The NLA were correct and fair and most voted in accordance with that premise.

Now, illegally voting using others' cards, voting for absent colleagues, denying parliamentary procedure, and amending bills in process without following protocol i,e, cheating are different matters. And those responsible should face the consequences. But, not a blanket banning of all 248, whether they were involved or not.

"The NLA were correct and fair and most voted in accordance with that premise."

No it wasn’t

The article pointed out that the premise for voting against impeachment was that the 38 unelected former senators had previously survived impeachment on the grounds of unclear guilt and didn’t want to create a “political situation” with a guilty finding against the ex-MP’s.

In other words, the NLA majority vote was politically motivated.

You seem to indicate that 38 former appointed Senators are now in the appointed NLA?

Anyway, since we don't know who voted how it's a bit meaningless to interpret 38 former senators as NLA majority (out of 220). To conclude anything out of nonsense isn't really much meaningful either.

[phoenixdoglover]

A brief moment of sanity prevails at the NLA. I would be interested to read follow-up articles to learn the reasons, both pro and con, from NLA members.

More a case of justice prevails, but that wouldn't fit you, now would it?

BTW former PM Yingluck showing support at Pheu Thai head office ? Wasn't she one of the MP who voted, at least on the last reading if I remember correctly.

Sometimes, Rubl, you post the most obtuse comments.

What do you believe in this case? Did justice prevail?

[Jimbob1]

Ms Yingluck joined her party members for lunch of Isan food which included som tum (papaya salad) and grilled chicken.

The Loaves and Fish's ....

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Ms Yingluck joined her party members for lunch of Isan food which included som tum (papaya salad) and grilled chicken.

The Loaves and Fish's ....

A female Jesus and the Last Supper

[rubl]

A brief moment of sanity prevails at the NLA. I would be interested to read follow-up articles to learn the reasons, both pro and con, from NLA members.

More a case of justice prevails, but that wouldn't fit you, now would it?

BTW former PM Yingluck showing support at Pheu Thai head office ? Wasn't she one of the MP who voted, at least on the last reading if I remember correctly.

Sometimes, Rubl, you post the most obtuse comments.

What do you believe in this case? Did justice prevail?

The ex-MPs got a chance to defend themselves, were successful in this and not impeached. That's justice.

Your comment had nothing to do with justice. It just suggested you thought the NLA shouldn't even have started this impeachment process.

[Baerboxer]

A golden oppurnity missed to get a major portion of Thailands problem children out of the classroom and put in detention. But never mind there are several who will have to answer to other acts and charges which have or will be followed up on.

This is just their first hurddle to get over, voting with other people cards, attandance records, etc are still to be fully addressed.

They were doing the job they were elected to do, for once, trying to amend the law. That in itself isn't something they should be impeached for, just because someone didn't like the changes they were proposing. The NLA were correct and fair and most voted in accordance with that premise.

Now, illegally voting using others' cards, voting for absent colleagues, denying parliamentary procedure, and amending bills in process without following protocol i,e, cheating are different matters. And those responsible should face the consequences. But, not a blanket banning of all 248, whether they were involved or not.

"The NLA were correct and fair and most voted in accordance with that premise."

No it wasn’t

The article pointed out that the premise for voting against impeachment was that the 38 unelected former senators had previously survived impeachment on the grounds of unclear guilt and didn’t want to create a “political situation” with a guilty finding against the ex-MP’s.

In other words, the NLA majority vote was politically motivated.

As opposed to criminally motivated such as illegally voting using another persons voting card or illegally altering bills in motion. Or is any crime politically motivated if politicians are involved?

Your hero certainly thinks that the case.

[Baerboxer]

Ms Yingluck joined her party members for lunch of Isan food which included som tum (papaya salad) and grilled chicken.

The Loaves and Fish's ....

A female Jesus and the Last Supper

The only thing she has in common with Jesus is she might also end up crucified, betrayed by a sibling in her case.

[billd766]

Ms Yingluck joined her party members for lunch of Isan food which included som tum (papaya salad) and grilled chicken.

The Loaves and Fish's ....

A female Jesus and the Last Supper

The only thing she has in common with Jesus is she might also end up crucified, betrayed by a sibling in her case.

OTOH Jesus didn't need Burberry boots to walk on water.