Bangkok: The House of Representatives decided not to accept the observations from a report by a special committee tasked with studying guidelines for an amnesty bill, opting to send only the report to the cabinet. The committee chairman clarified that there is no intention to amend Section 112, but rather to facilitate discussions on the issue. Four drafts of the political amnesty bill are set to be considered in the next session.
According to Thai News Agency, the House meeting, chaired by Mr. Pichet Chueamuangphan, the First Deputy Speaker, deliberated on the Special Committee’s report. Ms. Sasinan Thamnithinan, a committee member, emphasized that political amnesty is crucial at this time, questioning why there should be an issue with granting amnesty when politicians themselves have reconciled. She noted that many cases under Section 112, which criminalizes defamation against the monarchy, are central to this amnesty discussion.
Mr. Chaiwat Tuladhon, another committee member, remarked that while the numb
er of Section 112 cases is relatively small, they represent significant political conflicts. He suggested a conditional amnesty process, which would include a committee to evaluate cases individually, allowing accused individuals to present their circumstances and engage in dialogue with opposing parties.
Mr. Chaturon Chaisang highlighted the historical context of conflicts spanning two decades, arguing that amnesty could be instrumental in resolving long-standing political disputes. He asserted that previous amnesties did not require admissions of guilt, drawing parallels to past instances where amnesty was granted without such conditions.
Mr. Chusak Sirinil, the committee chairman, clarified that the report does not propose specific legislative changes but serves as a study to explore potential enactment paths for an amnesty act. He mentioned that the committee’s findings reflect diverse opinions and stressed the need for careful consideration before enacting any laws related to Section 112.
As the meeti
ng concluded, a vote resulted in the rejection of the committee’s observations, with 268 against and 149 in favor, and five abstentions. The session ended on a tense note, with a heated exchange between Mr. Pichet and Dr. Cholanat, a Pheu Thai Party MP, over procedural disagreements.
Source: Thai News Agency