Blanket amnesty opposed by most in Bangkok: Poll
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Most people in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces have voiced their opposition to a law that would give blanket amnesty to those committed serious legal offences during the political conflict in the last decade.
The House of Representatives passed the controversial amnesty bill early on Friday, following a walkout by MPs from the opposition Democrat Party. The Lower House voted 310:0 to approve the bill, which is expected to be deliberated on by the Senate later this week or next.
Most of those surveyed by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University said they disagreed with the blanket amnesty, according to the results of its public opinion poll released yesterday.
According to findings of the latest Suan Dusit Poll, a total of 57.6 per cent of respondents said that there should not be any amnesty related to political events of the last decade.
Another 19.8 per cent wanted an amnesty only for protesters, but not covering protest leaders and those who ordered the violent crackdown on protesters in 2010. However, 11.3 per cent of those surveyed said that amnesty should be given to all sides without any conditions.
Another 6.8 per cent supported amnesty for protesters and state officials who were performing their duties, as ordered by their commanders. And 4.52 per cent wanted amnesty for all, except for those involved in financial matters, such as returning assets to ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The survey was conducted on 1,134 people in Bangkok and surrounding provinces between October 29 and 31.
Many of the respondents also voiced support for the decision by some senior figures in the opposition Democrat Party to resign as party executives, so that they could campaign against the legislation.
Discussing what the governing Pheu Thai Party should do about the amnesty bill, 41.9 per cent of respondents said it should proceed with the legislation, but with transparency, justice and impartiality, while 22.6 per cent said Pheu Thai should discuss it with all parties concerned.
A total of 19.3 per cent said the party should listen to opinions from all sides to find a suitable solution and 16.1 per cent said it should assess the situation.
