The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has threatened to stage a large rally if the government refuses to withdraw four reconciliation bills from parliament before its next session begins on Aug 1.
Chamlong Srimuang announces the People’s Alliance for Democracy’s opposition to the government-sponsored reconciliation bills. He was joined by PAD co-leaders in Bangkok yesterday in vowing a mass protest if parliament proceeds with deliberation of the bills. CHANAT KATANYU
PAD spokesman Parnthep Pourpongpan sent a letter demanding the government withdraw the bills to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday.
He said the withdrawal would prevent conflict among Thais and maintain the rule of law in the country. He said his group was sending the request to Ms Yingluck as her ruling Pheu Thai Party had the majority of votes in the House.
"If the parliament has a reconciliation bill on its agenda, the PAD will announce a mass protest at once and it will continue such activities until the bill is withdrawn," Mr Parnthep said.
In response, Ms Yingluck said her government did not propose any of the four reconciliation bills. She said the bills were the business of the House and her government would not interfere in parliament's work.
She also said she wanted MPs to have a chance to discuss ways forward for the country.
"Whether the bills will be withdrawn or not depends on the majority of the votes and I have only one vote," Ms Yingluck said.
"However, the government is willing to support any solutions that will restore peace in the nation."
Regarding the PAD's threat to stage a protest against the bills, Ms Yingluck said public demonstrations should comply with laws and police would guarantee order.
She suggested opponents of the bills express their disagreement through their representatives in the House instead.
Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister and red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikuar said opponents of the bills wanted to overthrow the government.
Mr Natthawut said the House might not deliberate the unity bills immediately, but the process should not be abandoned because the bills, along with a proposed amendment of the constitution, would promote national reconciliation.
Pheu Thai list MP and red-shirt leader Korkaew Pikulthong said yesterday that reconciliation bills should not be high on parliament's agenda.
Tul Sitthisomwong, leader of the multi-coloured shirt group, said he continued to oppose any constitutional amendment and reconciliation bills that would help former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He said that if a reconciliation bill is on parliament's agenda, his group will protest against it because otherwise the bill could be approved quickly after only three readings.