BANGKOK, 5 November 2013 A group of elected senators have announced their rejection of the blanket amnesty bill in order to offer a solution to the country’s political deadlock.
Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanich on Tuesday called a news conference to announce that the elected Senate members would not vote for the amnesty bill. He confirmed that the Senate members had always disagreed with the legislation and their decision was not influenced by the prime minister after she made an official statement on the controversial law.
However, the elected senators’ rejection of the amnesty bill did not mean other senators would also turn down the legislation, the Senate Speaker said. The Senate is scheduled to meet on November 11 to vote whether to pass the bill or not.
The Senate Whip will also hold a meeting this Wednesday to discuss the matter before officially announcing its decision.
First Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Leangboonlertchai assured that the Senate would carefully deliberate on the amnesty bill and listen to opinions of the public. He added that the Senate would keep social sentiment in mind and would decide on the matter based on justice and the rule of law.
