Bangkok: "Pakornwut" hopes the House will accept all drafts of the Amnesty Act, opening a channel to discuss Section 112 in the committee level, asking not to look at individuals, but to look at the overall impact on society because every case is a criminal case, saying that the government whip resolution did not overturn the draft of the People's Party, slamming the whip of the Palang Pracharath Party for giving news that created confusion - creating bargaining power for large parties
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of the Opposition Parties, discussed the consideration of the amnesty bill that will be submitted to parliament on July 9th. This bill is taking precedence over the bill on the operation of entertainment complexes, which still has debates surrounding Section 112. Pakornwut mentioned that five amnesty bills will be considered, including an additional one from the Bhumjaithai Party. These bills aim to resolve domestic conflicts and have varying approaches towards Section 112, with some excluding it entirely and others leaving it open for discussion. The Prachachon Party's bill specifically proposes amnesty for Section 112 cases. Pakornwut expressed his openness to all bills and emphasized the importance of parliamentary discussion to determine which cases merit amnesty, as politically motivated cases can be diverse.
Mr. Pakornwut further stated that reconciliation is a common goal among all parties, and openness in discussions would facilitate this process. He acknowledged that the People's Party and iLaw have consistently advocated for discourse on Section 112, and the absence of predetermined positions would allow for comprehensive deliberations on all drafts.
Regarding claims that the government whip voted against the People's Party's draft, Mr. Pakornwut asserted that there was no resolution to reject it. He noted that some confusion arose from a representative of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, but he had received assurances that no such resolution existed. Only the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party's principles and a draft by Mr. Preeda Boonpleung received approval. Pakornwut urged coalition parties to ensure consistency in their communications to prevent misunderstandings and speculated that intra-party discussions, particularly within the Pheu Thai Party, would be crucial in shaping the amnesty bill.
Despite potential conflicts, Mr. Pakornwut clarified that he harbored no animosity, attributing any differences to each party's prerogatives. He emphasized that the opposition remained committed to fulfilling their duties, regardless of voting outcomes.
Addressing the Pheu Thai Party's perceived ambiguity due to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Section 112 charges, Pakornwut advocated for decisions based on societal impact rather than individual cases. He called for a holistic view of the law's societal implications, acknowledging the challenges and criticisms this approach might face.
On Bhumjaithai Party's stance against pardoning Section 112, Mr. Pakornwut respected their position while highlighting ongoing discussions. He clarified that the Prachachon Party's draft omitted specific references to Section 112, advocating for open dialogue on all issues.
Lastly, Mr. Pakornwut expressed optimism about resolving Section 112 issues at the committee level. He recognized the necessity for a resolution and believed that understanding and consensus could be achieved within the committee's framework.