Thread: Amnesty for Former TRT Executives?

Compensation is too slow, say red-shirts acquitted of charges over the 2010 riots in Bangkok | Bangkok Post: news

Red prisoners: Compensation too slow

• Published: 15 Jan 2013 at 15.36
• Online news: Local News

BANGKOK - Payment of compensation to red-shirts charged, detained and later acquitted of charges laid during the 2010 riots is slow in coming, and there is mounting dissatisfaction with the process.

A protest is planned later this month to demand the government give amnesty to all political prisoners.

Arthit Baosuwan, one of the nine defendants in Central World theft case, told Bangkok Post on Tuesday that only a few dozen detainees were categorised as eligible for the next round of remedial payouts agreed to by the Pheu Thai government a month ago.

The acquitted red-shirts included six other adults and two youths in one case; five defendants (one deaf, one blind) in the Wat Saphan-Din Daeng case; 11 from Udon Thani province; and 13 from Ubon Ratchathani. There were others.

"There are as many as 1,800 people were arrested and charged on various counts and petty charges following the political mayhem. A majority of them were jailed under the provisions of the emergency law. These people should also be entitled under the cabinet resolution (to compensate acquitted prisoners)," said Mr Arthit.

He and other people, including the mother of Kamolgade Akkahad, a volunteer medic killed on April 19, 2010 at Wat Pathumwanaram, met Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at her official residence, Ban Pitsanulok, on Nov 7 last year, more than a month before the cabinet decided to pay to those "legally affected" by the political conflict, he said.


Jiam Thongmak (Photo by Achara Ashayagachat)

Mr Arthit said he felt that any remedial measures for the injustice should not only provide financial help but also help restore people's dignity through an amnesty to be enacted in parliament.

"We are talking to brothers and sisters. The payouts need to be given fairly to all, including those whose human dignity was denigrated by short-term imprisonment," said Mr Arthit, who had a good office job in Bangkok prior to being detained on a charge of stealing from the leading shopping mall, a charge later dismissed

He was speaking at the self-proclaimed Street Justice Council, which hopes to mobilise as many as 10,000 supporters to press on their own government on Jan 29 to seriously consider releasing all political prisoners from their various jails.

Jiam Thongmak, 48, from Buri Ram, said the Pheu Thai-led government had made a nice gesture but there was still no concrete action.

Ms Jiam was arrested on the same day on the same charge as Mr Arthit, though they did not know each other before. The court acquitted them of the theft charges on Dec 1, 2011. No appeal was filed by prosecutors, so she and eight other co-defendants were entitled to the latest round of payouts. The two youths tried on separate charges of arson at CentraWorld were acquitted in December.

"The Justice Ministry's Department of Rights and Liberties Protection has said since our acquittal that they will consider compensation for us — for the one year, six months and 12 days that we were jailed for doing nothing wrong. But so far, no one has been paid," said Ms Jiam.

The promised compensation, she said, would not only strengthen the move to reconciliation among the affected people, but also help restore their previous life.

"Many already had debts before being imprisoned, and being in jails meant we were not able to make repayments. Now our rights and liberties have been crippled and our post-acquittal future is not bright. How can we shake off this uninvited stigma hanging over a mere protester," said the only woman charged in the Central theft case.


Narumon Warunroongroj (Photo by Achara Ashayagachat)

Narumon Warunroongroj, 53, who was acquitted on charges of illegal possession of weapons and ammunition in August 2011, said the payouts came very late.

"Some of those acquitted and those convicted were traumatised and their lives shattered," she said.

Roi Et taxi driver Yutin Singthimas, a former detainee who eventually committed suicide by plunging into the Chao Phraya River early this month, was a clear example, Ms Narumon said.

Somjit Laimanee, 58, a hawker at Ratchaprasong intersection, said several hundred street vendors who were affected from the months-long political rally have also yet to be compensated.

"Only 767 stall owners, mostly from Siam Centre area, each got 50,000 baht compensation during the Abhisit Vejjajiva government. Not us," said Mr Somjit.

"The previous government provided us with some cheap loans from the SME bank, and the funding has already run out," said Ms Somjit from Minburi.

She said the government should make it clear when the affected vendors would be compensated.

Red shirts rally at prison - The Nation

Red shirts rally at prison

The Nation January 16, 2013 1:00 am

Around 300 members of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship held a rally yesterday at the Lak Si Special Detention Centre, and donated four sets of exercise equipment to the inmates.

UDD leader Thida Thawornset led the group of 300 to make the donation of treadmills, stationary cycles and other exercise equipment.

They also read a statement on their proposal to draft an amnesty decree comprising four articles to release those who have been convicted and those who are accused of crimes in connection with the political conflicts and rallies that took place from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2001.

The draft has stated that those who have been convicted and sentenced by the highest court or under trial are regarded as innocent and bear no responsibility, excluding authorities who made the decisions or issued orders related to political activities during the period.

Vendors selling red-shirt CDs, clothing and souvenirs set up shop around the prison, and loudspeakers broadcast rally activities. Free food was provided those joining the rally and visiting the prisoners.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) will hold a mass gathering of the red-shirts in front of Laksi temporary prison on Jan 15, UDD co-leader Jatuporn Prompan said on Friday.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Around 300 members of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship held a rally yesterday at the Lak Si Special Detention Centre

*smirk*

Red shirts plan protest for amnesty, compensation | Bangkok Post: news

Red shirts plan protest for amnesty, compensation

• Published: 19 Jan 2013 at 00.00
• Newspaper section: News

Red shirts are threatening to rally later this month to demand the government grant amnesty to all political prisoners and to compensate all those acquitted.

Compensation for red shirts charged, detained and later acquitted of charges laid during the 2010 violence has been slow in coming, increasing dissatisfaction among those affected.

Arthit Baosuwan, one of nine acquitted defendants in the CentralWorld mall looting case, told the Bangkok Post that only a few dozen detainees were eligible for the next round of payouts approved by the government a month ago.

These include five acquitted red shirts from the Wat Saphan case in the Din Daeng area, 11 from Udon Thani province and 13 from Ubon Ratchathani.

"As many as 1,800 people were unjustly arrested on petty charges," Mr Arthit said. "The majority of them were jailed under the provisions of the emergency decree. These people should also be entitled to compensation under the cabinet resolution."

He and other people, including the mother of Kamolkade Akkahad, a volunteer medic killed on April 19, 2010, at Wat Pathum Wanaram, met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Nov 7, more than a month before the cabinet decided to pay those "legally affected" by the political conflict, Mr Arthit said.

"We are talking to brothers and sisters. The payouts need to be distributed fairly to all, including those whose dignity was denigrated by short-term imprisonment," Mr Arthit said.

He said he was joining the "Friends of Thai Political Prisoners", or the Street Justice movement, to mobilise up to 10,000 supporters on Jan 29 to press the government to release all political prisoners.

Jiam Thongmak, 48, from Buri Ram, said the Pheu Thai-led government's gesture was appreciated, but she had yet to see any concrete action.

Ms Jiam was arrested on the same day and on the same theft charge as Mr Arthit, though they did not know each other at the time. The court acquitted them both on Dec 1, 2011.

"After our acquittal the Justice Ministry's Department of Rights and Liberties Protection said they would consider compensating us for the one year, six months and 12 days we spent in jail for doing nothing wrong. But so far, no one has been paid," Ms Jiam said.

Compensation, she said, would not only strengthen moves towards reconciliation, but help affected people put their lives back on track.

"Many already had debts before being imprisoned, and being in jail meant we were not able to make repayments," said Ms Jiam, the only woman charged in the CentralWorld looting case. "Our rights and liberties have been trampled upon and our futures are not bright."

Narumon Warunroongroj, 53, who was acquitted in August 2011 of illegally possessing weapons and ammunition, said she had received compensation but the payout was very late in coming.

"Some of those acquitted and those who were convicted were traumatised and their lives shattered," she said.

Taxi driver Yutin Singthimas, a former detainee from Roi Et who committed suicide by jumping into the Chao Phraya River early this month, was a clear example, Ms Narumon said.

Somjit Laimanee, 58, a vendor at Ratchaprasong intersection, said several hundred street vendors whose livelihoods were affected by the political turmoil have also yet to be compensated.

"Some 767 stall owners, mostly from the Siam Center area, each received 50,000 baht in compensation from the Abhisit Vejjajiva government - but not us," he said.

Red shirts' amnesty plan is short on details - The Nation

burning issue

Red shirts' amnesty plan is short on details

Avudh Panananda
The Nation January 18, 2013 1:00 am

The debate over amnesty in connection with the 2010 political mayhem will not make headway unless the red shirts get down to the specifics of what such legal absolution would entail.

Red-shirt leader Thida Thavornseth has designated 2013 as the year to push for amnesty for all protesters involved in political rallies from January 2007 to December 2011.

To kick-start her crusade on Tuesday, Thida unveiled a draft decree to absolve protesters of all political stripes of legal accountability, except for rally organisers and masterminds behind the political violence.

Preceding Thida's move, the Nitirat Group of anti-coup academics demanded that amnesty for all involved in the political violence be enshrined in charter provisions.

The parties concerned have given lukewarm responses to the two amnesty proposals.

Their reactions varied from questioning the legal technicalities associated with granting amnesty to alleging an ulterior motive to rescue fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Wattana Sengpairoh, spokesman for the House speaker, said he was doubtful whether amnesty, if granted as per the two proposals, would conform to the rule of law. Wattana made it clear he did not oppose the idea of granting amnesty; he just wanted it done properly.

His remarks happen to mirror the views of many, including critics and supporters of the red shirts.

If the red shirts are serious in trying to bring about amnesty, they should outline the details of how they would implement the amnesty idea in a practical manner.

At present they are using fancy words, but stop short of spelling out practical steps to translate the idea into reality.

Thida has a lot of explaining to do if she wants to dispel lingering doubts on why red leaders are enjoying the perks while their foot soldiers are trying to survive various stages of prosecution.

For now, these foot soldiers may be pacified by the idea of amnesty. But their wrath would be catastrophic if they found they had been left with an empty promise.

The amnesty proposal advanced by Nitirat is very theoretical and might not warrant attention at this juncture, since it hinges on a rewrite of the Constitution, which has not been activated yet.

In contrast, Thida has been pushing for a draft decree on amnesty via the government.

If the draft had all the necessary specifics, then the government could act on it without delay. It is unfortunate, however, that the draft provisions have triggered confusion.

The confusion appears so deep that all government leaders have opted for silence as a virtue.

If the amnesty debate is to gain momentum, Thida, or her colleagues, should clarify the following issues:

First, the distinction between protesters, organisers and masterminds for each violent incident.

Second, the criteria for classifying criminal violations linked to the political protests.

Third, whether the amnesty should apply to a number of cases not linked to the protests, but which Thida sees as politically motivated. If it should, criteria would be needed to classify such cases.

Fourth, how to prevent the government's usurping of judicial power if amnesty is granted to defendants fighting trials.

Fifth - given that amnesty for convicted protesters who burned down provincial halls would not cover organisers - whether red leaders would be willing to face prosecution as masterminds in such cases.

Sixth - given that the government is targeting two Democrats, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thuagsuban, for prosecution over the deaths and injuries inflicted by soldiers - whether red-shirt leaders should be held accountable for deaths and injuries inflicted by armed protesters.

Amnesty pieces from the Red Shirt website

A Call for Amnesty

Posted by Ratch / January 17, 2013

Below is the English translation of the UDD’s statement that was released together with the draft amnesty decree.

January 15 2013

UDD Statement: A Call for Amnesty

The coup d’état of September 19th 2006 executed by the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM), later renamed the Council of National Security (CNS), has provoked political turmoil and has caused a great divide in Thailand. This split is manifested most clearly in the form of political movements which disagree on the legitimacy of the actions of the coup-makers.

One faction advocated for the overthrow of a democratically-elected government and continues to defend the military coup. They do so on the grounds that the deposed government was led by “crony capitalists” and won elections by deception, vote-bribery, and the ignorance of the electorate. People adhering to this faction demanded that the military overthrow the government despite the fact that it had been elected by a majority of voters.

Another group has emerged in opposition to the 2006 coup d’état. The group grew into a political movement that defied those who prepared, executed, and supported the coup. The movement identified the coup d’état and the post-coup intrusions on Thailand’s democracy as the acts of an aristocratic network. For more than 5 years it has fought against the repercussions of the coup d’état which included the tearing up of the 1997 Constitution and the appointment of a puppet government. The aristocratic network also formed a committee to write a new constitution in order to control state apparatuses to suit its beliefs and interests.

Consequently, there have been large political rallies that have led to violence, arrests, criminal charges, injuries, and, in the most tragic cases, the loss of life. The repercussions of this political unrest have been felt by the entirety of Thai society that has witnessed the violent suppression of protesters, street massacres, and the imprisonment of fellow citizens on both sides of the conflict.

Although the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) does not agree with the political actions taken by some people in the pro-coup faction, they are fellow Thai citizens and should be granted amnesty for convicted or ongoing criminal cases. Ultimately, the responsibility should lie in the hands of movement leaders.

Until now, we have witnessed a political struggle that has caused pain, suffering, death, imprisonment, and convictions. Since the current democratically elected government has proven that it can run smoothly for more than a year, we have proposed to the Pheu Thai administration a draft amnesty decree which we believe would end the suffering that has afflicted both sides of the conflict.

Furthermore, an amnesty decree would bring political, economic, and social stability to Thailand’s fragile political climate. People in each group feel that they are not being treated fairly due to political biases and post-coup policies that have corrupted the investigative process and the rule of law. This has provoked anger and sorrow in the hearts of prisoners and their families. They have been locked up in jails while their rights to bail and to defend their cases in fair judicial processes are denied repeatedly. We fear for their mental and physical wellbeing.

Considering the concerns listed above, the UDD feels that a continuation of the status quo will do irreparable damage to the people of Thailand and to any future political, economic, and social stability. The government has a historic opportunity to alleviate part of the suffering which stands in the way of national reconciliation. The UDD urges the Government of Her Excellency Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to consider this draft amnesty decree and to put it into effect as soon as possible. This would represent a big step towards finding a sustainable solution for Thai society.

Sincerely,

the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship

-----
UDD Draft Amnesty Decree

Posted by Ratch / January 17, 2013

The following is the draft of an Amnesty Decree. It was proposed by the UDD to the government, together with this statement.

Draft Amnesty Decree

(English Translation)

Royal Decree on Amnesty of Political Convicts and Political Defendants Stemming from the Political Conflict between 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2012, A.D.

• Article 1: This Decree shall be cited as “Royal Decree on Amnesty of Political Convicts and Political Defendants Stemming from the Political Conflict between 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2012, A.D.”.

• Article 2: This Decree shall come into force the day following the date of its publication in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.

• Article 3: All persons who have been charged of committing any crime stemming from the political conflict between 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2012, be they convicted or awaiting sentencing, shall be declared as innocent, and shall be freed of any responsibility for the charges brought against them.

The provision of the preceding paragraph shall not include the leaders who have authority or are in charge of political movements during that time.

• Article 4: The Prime Minister shall be in charge of this Decree.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Somjit Laimanee, 58, a vendor at Ratchaprasong intersection, said several hundred street vendors whose livelihoods were affected by the political turmoil have also yet to be compensated.

Illegal traders demanding to be compensated for not be able to continue to conduct their illegal business? Tough shit.

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

There needs to be a clearing of the air first. That means a real "truth" commission. The commission MUST have the right to demand appearances by the following people. If they don't show on the day they are to testify they go straight to jail - no BS - and no "bail" or home detention just because they are poo-yai or 'hi-so' - it means a cement floor. If they show up and answer questions, they are free to go after that.

1. Coup leader Sonthi
2. The rest of the leaders of the Armed Forces who went along with him
3. Prem and the entire PC

That's a start. But not the end of it. This is, IMO, the ONLY way to show every puffed up Thai and Thai-Chink in this country that they are but one of millions - and they are NOT above anyone else, much as they like to think they are.

No mention of any udd leaders or sub leaders??Your bias is showing!!!

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

They also read a statement on their proposal to draft an amnesty decree comprising four articles to release those who have been convicted and those who are accused of crimes in connection with the political conflicts and rallies that took place from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2001.

Thats quite interesting, it must be a rather select list of people who committed 'polical' crimes between these dates and still be in prison. murder, drugs, LM and fraud are the only things that come to mind. Anyone care to mention why the UDD are interested in this?

Originally Posted by noelbino

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

There needs to be a clearing of the air first. That means a real "truth" commission. The commission MUST have the right to demand appearances by the following people. If they don't show on the day they are to testify they go straight to jail - no BS - and no "bail" or home detention just because they are poo-yai or 'hi-so' - it means a cement floor. If they show up and answer questions, they are free to go after that.

1. Coup leader Sonthi
2. The rest of the leaders of the Armed Forces who went along with him
3. Prem and the entire PC

That's a start. But not the end of it. This is, IMO, the ONLY way to show every puffed up Thai and Thai-Chink in this country that they are but one of millions - and they are NOT above anyone else, much as they like to think they are.

No mention of any udd leaders or sub leaders??Your bias is showing!!!

I'm talking about the coup. Of course there would need to be all the others from all sides in a wider commission

From the back seat of a red taxi | Bangkok Post: opinion

COMMENTARY

From the back seat of a red taxi

• Published: 20 Jan 2013 at 00.00
• Newspaper section: News

Last Tuesday evening, after being rejected by the shaking head and waving hands of one cabbie, a second took me in and I was ever appreciative. From Wat Phra Si Maha That temple in Bang Khen to my home in Lumpini, it was to be a long ride, but an educational one. There was silence at first, but after a few minutes the cabbie, an elderly yet robust man, turned on the radio. We caught the last few minutes of a talk show; the topic of discussion was the Bangkok governor race.

One caller lambasted the Democrat candidate as a corrupt member of the elite who knows nothing and does nothing. Another caller lamented on how her son, and others like him who live and work in Bangkok but are not residents of the capital could not vote - otherwise the Pheu Thai candidate would win for sure.

There were a couple livelier and more passionate callers invoking the need to vote Pheu Thai and win Bangkok for the sake of the people and true democracy. The host, also passionate and lively, wrapped up the show by saying Bangkok needs a good man as governor, a true man of democracy, and that man is the Pheu Thai candidate.

Another period of silence ensued, the cabbie shifted back and forth in his seat, and kept looking at the rearview mirror, as if he were measuring my political allegiance, determining whether he should engage me in a political discussion. Finally he did.

Friendly and paternally, throughout the conversation he referred to me as por-nhoom, or young man.

The cabbie waxed poetic about how this once great nation, which our ancestors sacrificed their blood and lives to forge, is being raped and pillaged by "them".

It's interesting to note that those on the other side of the political divide also wax poetic on the very same thing, except that in their context, "them" refers to a different set of people.

I asked who "they" were and his laughing reply was "por-nhoom, you know, them".

This exchange is telling of the atmosphere of fear that still prevails in Thailand - that which we do not name or speak of, even in the confines of a taxi. But fair enough, I was a stranger and mistrust is only a by-product of a culture of fear.

The cabbie went on to elaborate on how Thailand has more oil than even Saudi Arabia and that we are so fortunate to be rich in natural resources because our ancestors chose the right place to settle.

Unfortunately, however, according to the cabbie, we end up having to pay high prices for foreign oil because "they" have conspired to funnel our own oil through secret refineries and sell it in on the world market, keeping the profits for themselves alone.

Turning into Lumpini, coming up to the railway track, the cabbie said that the black trains are the ones that transport the oil. Sure enough, a train came trudging through. The cabbie pointed and said,"that's one of them, por-nhoom, a black train".

I looked out the side window but couldn't make out the colour because there were so many tents and vendors in front of me, plus it was already dark.

"Believe me, por-nhoom, I'm not making this stuff up," said the cabbie. "I learn it all from red radio."

I don't know if we actually have more oil than Saudi Arabia, but I do know that his conviction truly reflects the power of the media.

I then asked the cabbie why the government isn't doing anything about it. He sighed and replied that they can't - that nothing can be done.

"Why not?" I asked. "You have sacrificed blood and lives to put them into office in order to make sweeping reforms in the people's interests, which includes giving the people 'justice' for the lives lost. You should expect them to do it, all of it."

This, you see, is the fine art of instigation by por-nhoom.

The cabbie laughed and replied that everything is very difficult because this is Thailand. There are things that can't be done, simply because this is Thailand.

This echoes what I mentioned earlier - the other side of the political divide says the same thing. The proverbial "this is Thailand" with a sigh and the shake of the head. No one expects much of this country, let alone the Thai people ourselves. Such is a defeatist attitude.

I said that the government has four years and it has now been in power less than two. Make demands and apply pressure, things might start rolling. Power to the people and all that: You voted them in, you can take them out, if they don't fulfil their promises. But if they do, then you can vote for them again.

But por-nhoom has a feeling they will cast the same vote no matter what, as the hatred for the other side is too ingrained.

What I find most interesting here, however, is not the politics, but the sentiments of the people.

Average citizens on both sides of the political divide lament over the same thing - that this wonderful nation our ancestors fought and died for, this jewel of natural resources with fish in the sea and rice in the paddies, is being raped and pillaged selfishly to profit "them". The two sides only differ on who "they" are.

As well, in the end, regardless of the passion, commitment and belief, push the conversation far enough, and both sides will sigh, shake their heads and say, "This is Thailand."

This leads to the conclusion that while we are so very proud of our perceived glorious past, we hold so little hope for our future.

The Pheu Thai government can prove that wrong. Don't laugh, but when the Education Ministry announced more than a week ago that close-cropped hair is no longer compulsory, ending more than 30 years of control by humiliation, it was perhaps one the most progressive things any Thai government has ever done. But then again, por-nhoom rather believes that hope lies more with the character of individual citizens than with the policy of any one government.


Voranai Vanijaka

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The cabbie went on to elaborate on how Thailand has more oil than even Saudi Arabia and that we are so fortunate to be rich in natural resources because our ancestors chose the right place to settle.

Unfortunately, however, according to the cabbie, we end up having to pay high prices for foreign oil because "they" have conspired to funnel our own oil through secret refineries and sell it in on the world market, keeping the profits for themselves alone.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

"Believe me, por-nhoom, I'm not making this stuff up," said the cabbie. "I learn it all from red radio."

Is there anything these idiots wont believe?

Govt's alliance with red shirts stuck on shaky ground - The Nation

burning issue

Govt's alliance with red shirts stuck on shaky ground

Avudh Panananda
The Nation January 22, 2013 1:00 am

Within the next few months, the government is slated to finalise its decision on the Bt300 billion high-speed train project linking Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Later this year a number of mega-projects, particularly those related to flood control, are likely to move toward being implemented.

The signal is crystal clear - the government is confident it can manage the political risks to ensure stability needed to stay in power and get things done in the long-term.

According to her aides, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has already started planning for a second term.

Projects envisioned by former prime minister Thaksin might come to fruition under the leadership of his sister Yingluck.

Following years of volatility, the ruling Pheu Thai Party is suddenly enjoying political calm because the Shinawatra clan has put off its plan to bring Thaksin home.

Last month, Thaksin made it clear he was in no hurry to end his exile. The clan, including Thaksin's ex-wife Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra and his other sister Yaowapha Wongsawat, made an about-turn to delay his home-coming for the sake of stability.

The rush to push inflammatory issues such as a charter rewrite and an amnesty, designed to pave the way for Thaksin to elude his legal predicament, has been shelved.

But while the ruling party has toned down matters that would provoke the opposition, its alliance with the red shirts is curiously at a low ebb.

The red shirts have set this year as the time to push for an amnesty. Their leader Thida Thawornseth last week unveiled a draft decree on legal absolution for political violence between 2007 and 2011.

Deputy Commerce Minister Natthawut Saikua insisted he had kept the prime minister fully informed about the draft.

But Yingluck voiced puzzlement about such a draft. And Government House officials and the red shirts have not, for the past few weeks, been able to find a suitable date for Thida to present the draft to the prime minister.

The government has set sail to accomplish what it believes it is destined to do and left the red shirts in the lurch.

It remains to be seen whether the red shirts will retaliate or be pliant and cave-in.

Although the government has shifted its ground in order to boost stability, political friction still persists, but not to a degree to disrupt work.

One of the contentious issues is the border dispute near Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple.

At this juncture, the government and security agencies are united in their approach to tackle the issue.

The patriotic movement, seen as close to the People's Alliance for Democracy, wants the government to explore other options than heeding the verdict of the International Court of Justice. But the movement has yet to sway sufficient support to make its voice heard.

So long as the armed forces rally behind the government, the issue will not spiral out of control even if the ICJ hands down an unfavourable decision for Thailand.

With Thaksin remaining in exile, Pheu Thai and the Democrats will have their ups and downs as usual. But the main opposition party may not have justification to oust the government.

Yingluck is likely to experience calm in steering the government.

But the catch is she will be obliged to appease the red shirts and ensure all her allies have equal access to the pie if she wants to prevent an implosion of her government.

It's your government, so make it listen | Bangkok Post: opinion

It's your government, so make it listen

• Published: 24 Jan 2013 at 09.31
• Online news: Opinion

Here we go again, section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law. Another citizen, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, editor of Voice of Taksin, was found guilty on two counts on Wednesday and sent to prison for 11 years.

Immediately, some red-shirts organised protests, even if small ones. Immediately, human rights groups and the various non-Thai bodies, committees and agencies clicked send on their press releases, condemning the judgement.

Immediately, newspaper writers penned their thoughts on the subject, tip-toeing ever so gently -- for no one would want to share a cell with Somyot. Who, me? No way.

Indeed, we go through the same routine every time.

It’s like wondering if some day we will know why Samson loves Delilah and whatever happened to Amelia Earhart. What’s the point of wondering about these things? They are just lines from a song I can’t get out of my head, since 1999.

This is the Criminal Court of the Kingdom of Thailand, a country where the lese majeste law is honoured and abused, championed and exploited. What other verdict could there be but guilty, guilty and guilty?

So instead of venting at the court, why not actually change the law? I swear I’m not the first person to have come up with this idea. Really, I’m not.

There is this government legislative body whose job it is to make or change laws. This legislative body is the parliament, in which the Pheu Thai Party holds an absolute majority. The party that received the most votes in the July 3, 2011 general election.

Those who caste the votes, instrumental to the campaign and key to the Pheu Thai victory, were members and supporters of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

This is a civic group that champions justice, democracy and human rights – at least that’s the claim. Through the years, the UDD flew the banner against lese majeste. They cried against it. They marched against it.

The UDD crusaded against old, corrupted power. They raised fists against outdated, archaic laws that impede justice, undermine democracy and destroy human rights. They have sacrificed lives and limbs, for sincerely and devoutly they believed the Pheu Thai Party would bring justice, democracy and human rights to Thailand.

This is a civic movement that activists, journalists, anonymous internet bloggers and anyone with a twitter from around the world hailed as fighting for true justice, true democracy and true human rights.

The movement that showed the world the power of the people on July 3, 2011 - that yes, we can! We can make changes! We can make a difference! We are the power of the people! Pheu Thai is the government by the people and for the people!

Today, the UDD – plus activists, journalists, random internet bloggers and anyone with a twitter from around the world – are still waiting with baited breath.

Hello? What has the prime minister to say about Somyot’s conviction?

Hi? Excuse me, what is the Pheu Thai government’s stance on the lese majeste law?

Anyone?

No, no, don’t ask the Democrats, the military or the court. We know whose side they are on. Don’t need to bother them. It would be like asking a thirsty man if he wants water. We know the answer.


A group of people hold signs at the court house to support Somyot Prueksakasemsuk on Jan 23, 2013. (Photo by Achara Ashayagachat)

As a side note, let’s applaud those red-shirt members and others who were at the court house to support Somyot. Those who held signs and made their voices heard.

You may disagree with their politics, but you might want to respect the consistency of their stance. They are not hypocrites when it comes to standing up for what they believe is justice, democracy and human rights.

But let’s ask the leadership of the UDD – those men and women, many of whom now sit in parliament and enjoy ministerial portfolio.

Excuse me, your excellencies; what do you plan to do with the lese majeste law and with the case of Somyot?

You see, there seems to be a clear and transparent way in which you can change the law, no? A clear stance by the people who voted for you, no? A clear majority in the parliament, no? So clear the way to change the legislation, no?

Oh I see; it’s a sensitive issue and you’re going to set up committees to look into it. All right then, understood, mai pen rai (never mind), carry on.

What’s that my pink Bentley-driving deputy prime minister? Oh, in December 2011 you volunteered to lead a campaign against internet content deemed offensive to the monarchy? What? You don’t even care what colour shirt the websites belong to?

Ah, that clears things up then. See, this is what we like about you. You’re the most honest person in the government.


Chalerm Yubamrung comes out of his pink Bentley. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)

Writer: Voranai Vanijaka

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Rule of law commission pushes for amnesty bill - The Nation

Rule of law commission pushes for amnesty bill

Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation January 25, 2013 1:00 am

The Independent National Rule of Law Commission (NRLC) has called on MPs and Senators to table a bill in Parliament that pardons those involved in political rallies between September 19, 2006 to May 10, 2011.

NRLC chairman Ukrit Mongkol-navin yesterday issued a statement saying that the six-Article bill aims to bring peace and unity back to the deeply divided Thai society.

According to the bill's Article 3 the following actions undertaken during political rallies will not be considered as offences:

_ Public statement or advertisement against the Constitution;

_ Resisting arrest;

_ Protests that lead to negative consequences to others or the assets of others.

The Article 3 also says that those who committed these offences will not be convicted or made responsible in any way.

However, the amnesty does not appear to include those who launched the rallies, were pulling the strings behind the scenes or those who enforced law to maintain peace.

The bill's Article 4 stipulates that investigators and prosecutors drop cases against those deemed innocent according to Article 3.

Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlerschai, however, suggested that the timeframe should start before September 19, 2006, because that was when the coup was staged and many rallies had been held before the coup.

Opposition whip Jurin Laksana-wisit, meanwhile, advised Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to be careful when deciding whether this amnesty law should be legislated.

"I believe the country will be in a turmoil when this bill is passed into law," he warned.

A few weeks ago Thai politics came up in the conversation so I did a little straw poll among the ex pats who were attending a 70th birthday party of guy who had been grievously ill but thankfully had made a full recovery ,I simply asked what do you think will happen if Thaksin ever comes back here? of all the 11 guys who was there 9 said it would be tantamount to a civil war ,one said he would be bumped off and the last he would have a hero's welcome and be back as the real PM within 3 years or so ,I threw my hat in the ring and agreed with the 9

Voranai knows full well (and so do you SD), that despite the really strong electoral mandate the PTP hold, they cannot change the constitution, never mind try to abolish or amend the LM law. They'd be overthrown in a heartbeat by the military with the full backing of the 2-3,000 rich families who prospered through this triangular system. So little has changed since Sarit's dirty little reign. Yet where is the Thai media on the real history of this country? Why don't they tear off the cheap gilded plaster that covers up the filth of how this nation came to this point in time? Why doesn't Voranai and others tell people what a cnut Sarit was or Suchinda or critically review Prem's tenure? None of these guys are protected by LM laws - nor are the 2-3,000 families who revel and profit through the present repression. Why not report on them? After all, Thailand has a free press and freedom of speech (LM laws excepted).

Originally Posted by piwanoi

a little straw poll among the ex pats

How meaningful. A while ago, the nation of Thailand did a little straw poll among the citizens. PT won by a landslide.

^ I think the charter will be amended Tom (good), and some sort of reconciliation deal will be worked out that involves Thaksin- although it is the UDD demonstrators stewing in jail, several with manifestly ridiculous sentences and dubious convictions, that concern me far more than where Thaksin happens to reside.

By inference, when you insult the Democrat party you insult their stubborn supporters, of which many farangs living in Thailand seem to be even more vocal a crew as they are insignificant. Well, so be it. The current dem party are a bunch of petulant dummy spitters, panty waists but nice panties. Their babyish sense of entitlement is transparently laughable- those clowns do everything they can to overturn the democratic mandate, while presenting themselves as a democratic party. Somchaoi sees right through it. They have a lot of work to do, to compete in a democratic and electoral sense. A bit like the republicans in amerka, it seems to me they rely on a habitual voting base (largely in Bangkok), plus their factional southern fiefdoms, to maintain some semblance of relevance. Like the GOP, they are in trouble.

the point you are missing, sab, as usual, is that without a strong opposition, there is no real democracy. A landslide is not synonymous of democracy as your typical binary thinking conservative mind is implying. Should I remind you how Caesar was a popular dictator in a previously democratic Rome ? I won't mention Stalin, Mao and the other obvious candidates.

A weak opposition is a red flag for a working democracy,

Originally Posted by sabang

Originally Posted by piwanoi

a little straw poll among the ex pats

How meaningful. A while ago, the nation of Thailand did a little straw poll among the citizens. PT won by a landslide.

^ I think the charter will be amended Tom (good), and some sort of reconciliation deal will be worked out that involves Thaksin- although it is the UDD demonstrators stewing in jail, several with manifestly ridiculous sentences and dubious convictions, that concern me far more than where Thaksin happens to reside.

By inference, when you insult the Democrat party you insult their stubborn supporters, of which many farangs living in Thailand seem to be even more vocal a crew as they are insignificant. Well, so be it. The current dem party are a bunch of petulant dummy spitters, panty waists but nice panties. Their babyish sense of entitlement is transparently laughable- those clowns do everything they can to overturn the democratic mandate, while presenting themselves as a democratic party. Somchaoi sees right through it. They have a lot of work to do, to compete in a democratic and electoral sense. A bit like the republicans in amerka, it seems to me they rely on a habitual voting base (largely in Bangkok), plus their factional southern fiefdoms, to maintain some semblance of relevance. Like the GOP, they are in trouble.

I was'nt aware I was insulting any one unless asking others what their opinions are is regarded as some how insulting ! , maybe it could be constrewed as such if their opinions clash with others, I get the idea that their voting decision was not in line with your opinion , and in closing we all know were the PTP's habitual voting base is don't we, but I would hardly call Issan a fiefdom just cos I do not agree with Thaksin or his brand of politics

Originally Posted by piwanoi

I was'nt aware I was insulting any one

You weren't pnoi. Just pointing out that a straw poll of expats, presumably in or around bangkok, is hardly representative of Thai public opinion and, because we don't get to vote here, irrelevant.

Originally Posted by Butterfly

without a strong opposition, there is no real democracy

I happen to agree. I wish the dems would start playing that role.

Originally Posted by piwanoi

live in Buriram, slap in the centre of "Buffalo Country"

the dreaded BJT.