Democrats warn Worachai bill will trigger fresh unrest

The Democrat Party is warning the Worachai Hema-proposed amnesty bill due for House debate early next month could trigger a new wave of political unrest.

The bill, put forward by Mr Worachai, Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan, and backed by 42 fellow MPs, would absolve all political offenders as well as military personnel and state officials charged or convicted of political offences since the 2006 coup.

However, the scope of the amnesty proposal has drawn opposition from the Democrats who believe the bill, set to be considered by legislators on Aug 7, will lead to a new round of political conflict.

The bill states that an amnesty will not be granted to ‘‘persons with authority’’ to make decisions concerning political conflicts.

But Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said yesterday this clause lacks a clear definition of who would be granted an amnesty.

‘‘Once it gets House approval, we will not be able to prove exactly who had such authority,’’ Mr Chavanond said.

The spokesman said it was likely that all political offenders would escape legal punishment and will take no responsibility for what they did.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit, however, yesterday rejected such a move and stressed the Worachai bill will not include leaders and deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

His party will meet tomorrow to discuss the current political situation with its coalition partners.

Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok, who oversees national security, has said he believes anti-government rallies will be unavoidable during the parliamentary session.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau held anti-riot drills for its officers over the weekend and will prepare 20 companies of police to take turns tightening security at parliament, city police chief Khamronwit Thoopkrachang said.

‘‘Anti-government groups active in past rallies will re-emerge,’’ national police chief Adul Saengsingkaew said.

About 5,000 anti-government protesters are expected to gather next month but officers are not certain where — parliament, or Government House — they will hold their rally, Pol Maj Gen Phichitchai Siyanon, chief of Police Special Branch 3, said.

At Government House, police have also bolstered security by training officers and providing extra equipment, including concrete barriers and a truck used to detain suspects.