US Senate · Bangkok Post
House passes amnesty bill
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The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the amended amnesty bill, which will benefit hundreds of people found guilty of participating in political demonstrations in Thailand over the last 20 years — but not those sentenced for corruption or violating the lese-majeste law.
Key facts
- The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the amended amnesty bill, which will benefit hundreds of people found guilty of participating in political demonstrations in Thailand over the last 20 years — but not those sentenced for
- The draft Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society, as amended by the Senate, was passed with 306 votes in favour, 141 against and two abstentions
- Once enacted, the law would erase criminal liability for political acts committed between Jan 1, 2005 and July 16, 2025, provided they fall within the offences listed
- For example, Yellow Shirts who were found guilty of closing the airports (in 2008) will still have to pay compensation for their actions,”
- The bill will also cover youth protesters involved in the pro-democracy movement in 2020 and 2021, but not those charged with violating Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law.
- According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, 1,997 people have been prosecuted under various laws for participation in rallies and expressing political opinions in the protests that began in July 2020 and lasted for several months.
Summary
The draft Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society, as amended by the Senate, was passed with 306 votes in favour, 141 against and two abstentions. The vote paves the way for enactment once it is endorsed by His Majesty the King.
Once enacted, the law would erase criminal liability for political acts committed between Jan 1, 2005 and July 16, 2025, provided they fall within the offences listed. It would apply to people who participated in political demonstrations or political expression motivated by political conflict.