New unity bills stir suspicions

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ANALYSIS

Pheu Thai seen trying to muddy waters by shifting blame for Thaksin whitewash attempt

Published: 30 May 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Pheu Thai Party MPs have proposed three new reconciliation bills in addition to the one already submitted by 2006 coupmaker Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, raising suspicions of behind-the-scenes manipulation to bypass proper debate of the law in parliament.

Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Rai Samart Kaewmeechai and Pheu Thai Party list MP Niyom Worapanya have each tabled their own unity bills, while Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Nattawut Saikuar, a red shirt co-leader, has submitted another version on behalf of the red shirts.

The move by the Pheu Thai MPs to table their own proposals may be designed to give the impression that the party disagrees with Mathabhum Party leader Gen Sonthi's reconciliation bill, tabled last week.

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android
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Discussion 27 : 30 May 2012 at 18.3927
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Sonthi is the best candidate to bring forth this reconciliation bill. He is still an untouchable in the thai society. He realizes that the bill, other than benefiting Thaksin and the DEMs, also pardons his wrong doings as the coup maker in 2006. Just like "orange" said, leave the DEMs out in the bill if they insist to object this proposal that aims to attack their enemy Thaksin.
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bula
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Discussion 26 : 30 May 2012 at 18.2626
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pjt #21 - I don't see any evidence that 'unity bills' are being forced on the people. It is not legislating reconciliation. Bills are presented to the parliament for debate, scrutinize, and make amendment as necessary. It is transparent and democratic. It provides a framework for the government to work on uniting Thais. They have been many 'talks' but no action. We need political will to unite all Thais.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 25 : 30 May 2012 at 16.1525
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@orange #20: Why do you want to include only the people who object to the amnesty should not be covered by it. How about the people who don’t care – or at least pretend they don’t care? I think especially about someone with the name Yingluck Shinawatra. Some people say she is the PM and the leader of the government but the “reconciliation bill” seems to be completely unimportant to her. She did not initiate it, she does not comment on it, so I guess she does not care one way or another. How about if she opts out of it according to your suggestion? And her brother, who promised us for years that he stays out of politics, should also be included in her promise. We all know they are a happy family who share the same values.
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democrazy
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Discussion 24 : 30 May 2012 at 14.3424
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When such a reconciliation bill goes through, then you can trow the whole judicial system in the dumpster.
When the gov. can give blanket amnesty to all and override court verdicts incl. constitution court verdicts.
Then you can close all jails and courts.
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pquinlan
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Discussion 23 : 30 May 2012 at 12.3623
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Let's use plain English. It's not a unity bill, because it doesn't unify. It's not a reconciliation bill because it doesn't reconcile. It's an amnesty bill because it provides amnesty. Pretty simple really.
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abbub
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Discussion 22 : 30 May 2012 at 12.0122
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You are to a large extent right HAWAII D4 as reconciliation can only really occur when the people want it. For that though the millions of neglected farmers and workers making up the most poor part of the population need a better chance at decent lives.

But accountability is also needed and I doubt seriously this will happen. As in the 1970s and 1990s the investigative committees will reach conclusions the people will never be allowed access to.

Regarding the "guest from Myanmar" she said many times that "one of the pillars of a stable and working democracy is freedom of expression". I wonder if she will dare to voice this opinion in Thailand, with all its implications.
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pjt
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Discussion 21 : 30 May 2012 at 11.3821
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D12@bula 'The intention is to unite Thais so that we move forward to have peace, prosperity and progress' Everyone supports the intention, but it is the means which is debate. We cannot legislate reconciliation, and forcing ill thought out bills through Parliament will only create more difficulty, which is why it is resisted and questioned. This does not mean opposition to reconciliation in a proper sense, which requires a much more wide ranging discussion and concensus building to create a vision of what we all mean by a reconciled country and reconciliation. The rule of law or not? Accountable politicians or not? Judicial independence, checks and balances or not? Enabling legislation, amnesty and indeed charter changes then flow from this. I thought the public hearings idea was a step in the right direction - but even this chance not taken it seems
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orange
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Discussion 20 : 30 May 2012 at 11.2520
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Discussion 11

bkk-farang

Why not have a section that allows those who object to amnesty the option not to be covered by it, then we could see how sincere those voicing objections, who stand to benefit, really are.
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sunnyjim
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Discussion 19 : 30 May 2012 at 11.1319
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Android - your comments succinctly sum up all that is problematic with Thai politics. Yes the bill will be passed, but as this is a democracy it should be debated and amended so ALL sections of society are able to have input into it. The people who are represented by PTP, the people who are represented by the Dems and the people who are represented by the smaller parties. It is a NATIONAL reconciliation bill after all. It is not, or shouldn't be, about winning or losing, (i.e. we have a majority and will do as we please and be victorious). If all parties (and people)have input into it and have a stake in the bill, they will support, not oppose it. See the difference?
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hillfarang
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Discussion 18 : 30 May 2012 at 11.1118
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Discussion 5 : drsmith

"Political offenders are NO different than any other law breakers. Should they be given amnesty? The answer lies within the law. Have they broken the law and if so, then they should be held accountable for their crimes..."

I hear this so often, but it never seems to be applied to those who planned & carried out the coup... they have all received retro-active immunity (not to mention the laws passed & Charter changed during the elected government's time out of office. drsmith (& others), "Could you please explain Why?"
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