PM calls for calm over impeach bids

PM calls for calm over impeach bids

Yingluck plans to defend herself at NLA

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday threatened to use his power under martial law to clamp down on any political movements that emerge following the National Legislative Assembly (NLA)'s consideration of two high-profile impeachment bids. 

He said he cannot control people's opinion, but they must know when they can express their views. "I don't know what the NLA's decision will be, I cannot suggest anything.

"No matter what the result [of the decision], we have martial law which we can use to prevent any political movements," he said.

The NLA is due to begin scrutinising the impeachment motions against former Senate speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich and ex-House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranon tomorrow.

Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's impeachment motion will be heard on Friday. 

Gen Prayuth said: "If she [Ms Yingluck] thinks she is right, she has to fight in the process, and if she is found guilty, she has to receive the punishment. That is all. It is not difficult."

The government is thought to be worried that the NLA's decision on the impeachment cases, whichever way it goes, could produce a political backlash.

Ms Yingluck faces impeachment for alleged negligence of duty in the corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme, while Mr Nikhom and Mr Somsak face proceedings for their support of an attempt to amend the 2007 charter to make the Senate fully elected.

Jate Siratharanon, spokesman for the NLA whip, said the votes on the two motions could be held on Jan 22 and 23, not Jan 26 and 27 as earlier scheduled.

Norawich Lalaeng, Ms Yingluck's lawyer, said the former prime minister will appear before the NLA on Friday to defend herself against the impeachment charges. Ms Yingluck would explain to the NLA that she truly believed the programme would help the people, he said.

He said the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will deliver its opening statement in this impeachment case also on Friday.

NACC members met on Tuesday to prepare for the impeachment bids forwarded to the NLA. The meeting was aimed at discussing legal issues and going over evidence linked to the impeachment motions against the two speakers and Ms Yingluck. 

NACC member Vicha Mahakhun and secretary-general Sansern Poljeak are due to give the opening statements to support the commission's impeachment bid against Ms Yingluck at the NLA hearing. 

Former commerce minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, ex-finance minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, former PM's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn, former deputy commerce minister Yanyong Phuangrach and a team of four lawyers will also be present at the assembly to defend Ms Yingluck, according to the lawyer. 

NLA vice-president Surachai Liengboonlertchai said Ms Yingluck and the NACC representatives will be allowed to give opening statements without time limits. 

Ms Yingluck's presence at the assembly meeting is good as she would be able to respond to members' questions immediately, he said.

Ms Yingluck's lawyers want her testimony to be broadcast on national TV. However, NLA president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said he had not heard from them.

Worachai Hema, a former Pheu Thai MP and a red-shirt leader, cast doubt on the impeachment motion against Ms Yingluck, claiming it is an attempt to expel her from politics. 

Many people know there is a concerted effort in the country to expunge Thaksin Shinawatra and Ms Yingluck to stop democracy, he said.

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