Flashermac Posted June 25, 2011 Report Share Posted June 25, 2011 Bangkok Post 25 Jun 2011 The Democrat Party has jumped on the reconciliation bandwagon and offered to grant amnesty to those serving political bans. Secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban admitted yesterday that his party planned to arrange for an amnesty for more than 200 people who are currently banned from politics for five years for violation of the election laws. [color:red]He was referring to 111 former executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party and 109 former members of the disbanded People Power Party, the Chart Thai Party and the Matchimathipataya Party.[/color] The top former Thai Rak Thai members have been banned since 2007 and the others since 2008. Some of those under the ban have been key supporters of new parties, including Newin Chidchob of Bhumjaithai, Banharn Silpa-archa of Chartthaipattana and Suwat Liptapanlop of Chart Pattana Puea Pandin. [color:red]Korbsak Sabhavasu, head of the Democrat Party's strategic working group, had earlier said the amnesty would be for political cases only, not for criminal or corruption cases.[/color] This implies that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra would not benefit from the proposed amnesty. Mr Suthep said the plan has been discussed in principle and its details would be worked out later as to whether amnesty should be implemented in a new law, by changing to the political party law or amending the constitution. Meanwhile, Mr Suthep said there are rumours that Thaksin, the real leader of Pheu Thai, may have already tried to lobby small parties for their support in forming a coalition government. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he was not worried about any lobbying that could isolate his party. "Actually, parties should make it clear where they stand in forming the next government," he said. Thaksin's baby sister and Pheu Thai's No.1 party-list candidate, Yingluck Shinawatra, yesterday denied her brother was inviting other political parties to form the next government with Pheu Thai. She said Thaksin has nothing to do with the matter and it is too early to discuss the formation of the next government. Chartthaipattana de facto leader Banharn Silpa-archa also denied Thaksin had contacted him or his party about forming a government. Link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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