Parliament: Nikorn affirms that the Bhumjaithai Party's draft bill on promoting a peaceful society does not absolve those involved in Article 112 or collusion with senators. He requests parliamentary approval, hoping to end 20 years of political conflict.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorn Chamnong, a Bhumjaithai Party MP and secretary of the ad hoc committee studying the guidelines for enacting an amnesty law, and a member of the ad hoc committee considering the draft Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society, commented on the Senate's approval of the draft Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society yesterday. He stated that the draft aligns with the principles of the Bhumjaithai Party's draft, signed by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the party leader. The wording was revised and considered in the committee and by the Senate, but there was no conflict because it remained based on the original principle: the law must not include three offenses: (1) offenses of corruption or misconduct; (2) offenses under Section 112 of the Criminal Code; and (3) offenses resulting in the death of another person, or offenses against individuals, or offenses that require liability to specific individuals or groups other than government agencies.
Regarding the Senate's amendment to the status of state enterprises, classifying them as "government agencies" and removing the redundant term, this does not affect the enforcement of laws. For example, in the civil case where Airports of Thailand (AOT) sued for the airport closure and received 5 million baht in compensation, it is considered that there is no obligation and no repayment is required.
In relation to the list of items at the end of the draft bill that were found to have some items crossed out, Mr. Nikorn stated that there were no changes to the substance or content of the law. Instead, the items were simply rearranged according to their hierarchical order to ensure legal correctness and the orderliness of the legislative process. Mr. Nikorn also affirmed that if this law is enforced, it will not include offenses related to election fraud, unfair elections, or providing false information during the candidate registration process. Concerning criticisms that this law would benefit the Senate collusion case, Mr. Nikorn reiterated that this is not the case and urged a review of the committee meeting minutes, which discussed this matter for over half a day.
Speaking as the deputy chief whip of the government, he believes that if the Senate sends the matter to the House of Representatives today or tomorrow, and it can be included in the final week of the parliamentary session, he thinks the draft bill should not pose any problems. He explained that if there are differing opinions within the House, amendments and a joint committee of both houses would be necessary, which would take further time. However, if there is prior discussion within the government whip, they should approve the Senate's proposal, allowing it to be submitted to His Majesty the King for royal assent. This would contribute to a peaceful society, as the law's name suggests, something that has been pursued for 20 years, since 2005, and now, after such a prolonged delay, it should finally be resolved. He added that discussions on this issue are exhausting.