PM won’t interfere in new law on crooked politicians

[snoop1130]

PM won’t interfere in new law on crooked politicians

By The Nation

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha

 

Despite strong opposition, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) will not oppose the organic law on criminal procedures against political office holders.
 

The organic law was passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) earlier this month. 

 

Some clauses involved the suspension of the statute of limitations and trials in absentia, which would result in the law being applied to cases that were on hold. 

 

This sparked a controversy as critics questioned whether the law targeted certain figures, such as fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. A few cases against him have been put on hold due to his absence.

 

The Pheu Thai Party lodged a petition with Prayut last week urging that the controversial law be reconsidered and submitted to the Constitutional Court for review. 

 

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, however, said yesterday that the government had no concerns with the organic law and would not petition the Constitutional Court.

 

“It is not that the PM has to pass everything that everyone lodges with the Constitutional Court,” Wissanu said. “The Constitution only stipulates it is the PM’s decision. Pheu Thai could have questions [about the organic law] but it does not mean the PM does, too.”

 

The CDC, which was responsible for writing the organic law, would not petition the Constitutional Court on the matter either.

 

Chief charter drafter Meechai Ruchupan said yesterday the CDC had decided not to propose any amendment on the law. No clauses appeared to be against the intention of the Constitution, he said.

 

The court, however, expressed concerns over the legality of trials in absentia, allowed in the draft bill. Meechai said that the CDC had already explained the process to the court, which included a three month period before a trial could be conducted in absentia.

 

Meechai said that the NLA could forward the draft bill to the Cabinet on Friday to seek royal endorsement, the 10th day after the NLA had submitted the bill to the CDC to see whether it would voice any objections.

 

After the law comes into effect, people could petition the Constitutional Court about its constitutionality, Meechai said, adding that the process would be out of the CDC’s hands. But he insisted the bill did not contravene the Constitution.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30321665

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-7-24

[YetAnother]

why would he have to interfere ? all his cronies are doing the pretended law-drafting

[Lupatria]

He is right. Sometimes its not about what you say- its about why you don't say it.

[Artisi]

First up you have to find crooked politicians before you can take any action -  so where is the problem? 

[rkidlad]

Jesus! What's with all the pointing pics? Does it convey a message of power? "He must be powerful. He'a pointing at people and looking angry".

 

 

[farcanell]

Sounds like a positive step forward to me... less protection for the "elite"

 

this also applies to the likes of Red Bull boss...., try him in absentia, convict the <deleted>, and then he is toast. ( detained if he ever returns to Thailand... freeze his assets... etc) 

[williamgeorgeallen]

he does not have to worry because he is not a politician. 

[Chris Lawrence]

You would think their vigour would overflow in helping of car crash victims slammed by Hi-So's children?

[colinneil]

The PM wont interfere in new law, what a relief that is.

We can all sleep easy in our beds knowing that.

[zyphodb]

What mystifies me about this & many other laws here is, what is an "organic" law anyway?

  A law grown without fertilizers, weedkiller or insecticides?

 Is this just bad translation or something normal that I'm completely clueless about? 

[williamgeorgeallen]

13 minutes ago, zyphodb said:

What mystifies me about this & many other laws here is, what is an "organic" law anyway?

  A law grown without fertilizers, weedkiller or insecticides?

 Is this just bad translation or something normal that I'm completely clueless about? 

you can do a google search on it as it is not just a thai thing. seems it is being used to try to make some laws seem more natural or good. just BS as far as i can tell.

[robblok]

An organic law is a law, or system of laws, that form the foundation of a government, corporation or any other organization's body of rules. A constitution is a particular form of organic law for a sovereign state.

[stephen tracy]

15 hours ago, farcanell said:

Sounds like a positive step forward to me... less protection for the "elite"

 

this also applies to the likes of Red Bull boss...., try him in absentia, convict the <deleted>, and then he is toast. ( detained if he ever returns to Thailand... freeze his assets... etc) 

It will not be used with Red Bull guy or any of the "elites".  It was, after all, al law designed by the elites to go after one person.