PPP pushing for an amnesty for Thaksin

POLITICS

PPP pushing for an amnesty for Thaksin

It is supposed to be a reconciliation move

Members of the People Power party (PPP) are pushing for an amnesty for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Pracha Prasopdee, a PPP MP for Samut Prakan and chairman of the House committee on law, justice and human rights, thinks Mr Thaksin deserves to be pardoned.

Mr Pracha said the proposed amnesty for Mr Thaksin would help reconcile the country.

If other MPs agree with his idea, he may explore the option of submitting a motion on the subject in parliament.

Nisit Sinthupai, a PPP MP for Roi Et, backed Mr Pracha, saying an amnesty would help unite the country. He said Mr Thaksin had made the right decision by seeking political asylum in London.

Arrest warrants were issued against the former prime minister and his wife Khunying Potjaman by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions after the couple jumped bail on Monday in the Ratchadapisek land purchase case.

The warrants were issued just hours after Mr Thaksin released a statement saying he and his wife were in England and would not attend the hearing at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

He said he and his wife _ accused of acquiring a prime piece of land in the Ratchadapisek area at a discounted price through Mr Thaksin's influence when he was prime minister _ were victims of political persecution.

Khunying Potjaman had earlier been sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion. She has appealed the verdict.

Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda yesterday refused to comment on Mr Thaksin's failure to attend Monday's court hearing.

But the general said everyone should respect the country's three main powers: the executive, the legislative and judicial branches.

Meanwhile, PPP executives will today testify before the Election Commission (EC) that a party resolution strictly prohibits party executives and MPs from doing anything that violates the law, but not all were following the party line.

The PPP is facing possible dissolution after its former deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found guilty of electoral fraud by the Supreme Court in the Dec 23 elections.

The EC has still to decide whether the dissolution case should be forwarded to the Constitution Court for a ruling to decide the fate of the party.

Supachai Jaisamut, deputy PPP spokesman, said the party's legal team, including PM's Office Minister Chusak Sirinin, Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, adviser to PM's office Yuenyad Jaisamut and himself will today submit written testimony to the Election Commission.

Wednesday August 13, 2008
Bangkok Post
General News