Bangkok: People are reiterating their original stance on discussing 'amnesty', emphasizing that there should be no discrimination. Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP of the Prachachon Party, addressed the four amnesty bills set to be submitted to parliament on July 9th. He explained that the government had planned to delay the bill concerning entertainment venues. The amnesty aims to forgive, mend relations, and move forward. Thus, any conditional amnesty could be challenging to justify to society.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prachachon Party insists on an open and transparent committee to scrutinize prisoners involved in Section 112 cases. They welcome the principles of all the bills, believing forgiveness should be unconditional. Mr. Wiroj emphasized that their proposals are unbiased and open for consideration.
Mr. Wiroj noted that some parties have already expressed opposition to granting amnesty to Section 112 prisoners. He stated that such issues should be debated sincerely, focusing on the principle of forgiveness. Discrimination would undermine the amnesty's purpose. While a blanket amnesty is not proposed, a screening committee is suggested. Discussions with other political parties have not occurred, as it was assumed the Entertainment Complex Bill would precede.
Regarding the amnesty process, Mr. Wiroj stated that the committee will assess essential circumstances rather than appearances. He acknowledged that Section 112 cases are political, with varying prosecution standards over time, necessitating detailed scrutiny of content, substance, legal elements, deeds, and intentions, irrespective of appearances.