Private sector seeks Senate's help
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The country's largest private sector organisations have voiced their opposition against the amnesty bill.
Pramon Sutivong, chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT), said that the business sector would continue protesting the bill. First, they will seek cooperation from the Senate. If the Senate passes the bill and the Constitutional Court's judgement is sought , they would consider further actions.
Pramon revealed that after a meeting with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking today. The committee is the biggest grouping of private businesses, consisting of the FTI, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Bankers Association.
"After the discussion, each organisation will officially announce its stance on this. Today, the private sector and academics' move is not politically driven, but this is the right thing to do as we see that this would lead to a crisis," he said.
The committee issued a short statement on Monday. In the statement, it said that the situation is leading to widespread confrontation, which could severely harm the economy.
"Concerned with the situation, we urge all parties to find a solution to end this as soon as possible, to maintain peace and confidence in the country's economic strengths and potential," it said.
Earlier, the ACT issued a statement to oppose the bill, saying that it is against the UN Convention on Corruption.
The House last week approved the bill in a speed. Senate deliberation is scheduled for this week.
