BANGKOK, July 17 (TNA) – Thailand’s House of Representatives on Wednesday endorsed three amnesty bills, but rejected two broader proposals that aimed to include offenses related to the royal defamation law, known as Article 112.
The three approved bills, titled “Promote Peaceful Society Bill,” were proposed by United Thai Nation Party, Bhumjaithai Party, and Kla Tham Party. These drafts specifically exclude amnesty for royal defamation charges. A special committee will now merge and scrutinize these bills.
Conversely, the House rejected two proposals: one from the opposition People’s Party and a “People’s Amnesty Bill” backed by public signatures. Both were seen as potentially extending amnesty to those charged under Article 112.
Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, expressed disappointment, calling the outcome “selective amnesty” that would not truly resolve political conflicts. He affirmed his party would continue to push for a broader, inclusive amnesty during the committee stage. – (TNA)
