'Wiset' Backs Amnesty Law, Cites Concerns Over Politicians in Bid-Rigging Cases

Matichon•Politics•18d ago

Reader Briefing

Democrat Party backs amnesty legislation in principle but flags potential issues regarding politicians involved in election fraud and the application of lese-majeste laws to young offenders.

•Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, expressed support for an amnesty law aimed at fostering societal peace and a fresh start.
•Concerns were raised about the Senate's amendments, particularly regarding Article 112 (lese-majeste) and its application to minors.
•The amendments concerning the Senate election law (B.E. 2018) were criticized for potentially allowing amnesty for politicians involved in bid-rigging or unfair elections.

Overview

•On July 8, Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that the Democrat Party supports the creation of a peaceful society through an amnesty law.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva noted the amnesty law would exempt offenses related to corruption, Article 112, causing death or severe injury, and personal or group offenses.
•The Democrat Party leader expressed concern over the Senate's amendments to Article 11, which deals with minors and Article 112 offenses.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva questioned whether providing an option for rehabilitation to young offenders would strengthen their relationship with the monarchy.
•The Democrat Party leader was surprised by the Senate's amendment to the Senate Election Act B.E. 2018, which could extend amnesty to election fraud cases.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva argued that including election fraud in the amnesty law could allow individuals involved in bid-rigging to receive leniency.
•The article discusses the proposed 'Act to Foster a Peaceful Society' and potential amendments by the Senate.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva warned that failing to thoroughly address these issues could create ongoing conflict, particularly concerning supreme institutions and political power.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Abhisit Vejjajiva

"Will the relationship between these youths and the monarchy be strengthened through this process?"

เราคิดว่าความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างเยาวชนคนเหล่านี้กับสถาบันพระมหากษัตริย์จะมีความแน่นแฟ้นดีขึ้นจากกระบวนการนี้หรือไม่

Abhisit Vejjajiva

"Unfair elections and corrupt elections will end with the Election Commission's decision on whether a new election is required."

การเลือกตั้งที่ไม่เป็นธรรมการเลือกตั้งที่ทุจริตก็จะไปจบลงจากการวินิจฉัยของคณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง(กกต.)ว่าต้องเลือกตั้งใหม่หรือไม่

Key Entities

Person

Abhisit Vejjajiva(นายอภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ)ℹ️

Leader of the Democrat Party and party-list Member of Parliament who made statements regarding the amnesty law.

Organization

Democrat Party(พรรคประชาธิปัตย์)ℹ️

Political party whose leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, expressed views on the amnesty law.

Election Commission (EC)(คณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง(กกต.))ℹ️

The official body that would rule on election fairness, mentioned in relation to potential amnesty for election fraud.

Law

Draft Act to Foster a Peaceful Society(ร่างพระราชบัญญัติ (พ.ร.บ.) สร้างเสริมสังคมสันติสุข)

The amnesty legislation being debated, which was the subject of Abhisit Vejjajiva's speech.

Section 112(มาตรา 112)

Refers to the lese-majeste law, a provision within the amnesty law that was a point of discussion.

B.E. 2018(พ.ศ. 2018)

The year associated with the Senate Election Act, an amendment to which was criticized.