Hold the amnesty bill, we are not done yet
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If the red shirts did not break the law, why have an amnesty bill? As their action was in support of their "return to democracy", why are they not out on the streets now in protest against the deprivation of their democracy by the bill seeking to remove t
The actions of this government and its aggressive red shirts have shown little indication that they have an inkling of what democracy is about.
If the amnesty bill is to go ahead, it needs to explain why a paid-for armed insurrection should be forgiven by the Thai people, particularly when the reason has not been explained to the people whose lives were put in jeopardy.
The bill should be specific concerning the crimes that were committed backing the rallies and during the rallies to warn the red shirts who promise to repeat their rally this month that such acts cannot be tolerated on this occasion. Failure to do so would be a breach of faith (again) with the red shirts and should bring impeachment to those in office who failed in this duty.
It will be interesting to see if the police summon up the courage to arrest anybody should the red shirts gather. The flagrant dereliction of duty the first time around exacerbated the problem, leading to the introduction of the Army.
RICHARD BOWLER
Bangkok
