Thai deputy PM raises concerns over MFP’s political amnesty bill

Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed reservations about the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) political amnesty bill. The MFP, led by Chaithawat Tulathon, proposed an amnesty for individuals involved in politically motivated incidents dating back to the protests of February 2006. This proposition was initially introduced last year and is now under consideration for parliamentary debate.

Phumtham stated that while the government is open to stakeholder feedback, it will only support a resolution that does not risk reigniting past conflicts. He emphasised the government’s objective to progress the country without any hindrance from conflicts.

“Should it trigger conflict, we would rather not engage. Our objective is to avoid further conflicts after resolving the previous ones. We intend to move the country forward unimpeded by conflict.”

However, critics perceive the amnesty bill as a potential loophole to pardon those who have violated Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law.

Last week, Chaithawat met with Suwit Thongprasert, a former activist monk who participated in the 2013-2014 street protests initiated by the then People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to overthrow the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. As part of the MFP’s push, Chaithawat has been soliciting input from all stakeholders, including the red-shirt movement, security authorities, and other political parties.

In discussing Thongprasert’s perspective, Chaithawat mentioned the former monk’s concern regarding the mechanisms in place to prevent the recurrence of conflict.

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a list-MP of the United Thai Nation Party, acknowledged the MFP’s efforts to gather public opinion prior to the parliamentary debate on the bill. However, he declared his opposition to the proposed amnesty if it serves to absolve offenders of Section 112.

The proposed bill was presented to the House Speaker on October 5. The groups that are likely to benefit from the amnesty include the People’s Alliance for Democracy, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, the PDRC, and students and other individuals who have protested against the military regime over the past nine years.