Opposition boycott as Thailand amnesty bill passes parliament
Opposition claims measure will whitewash divisive ex-prime minister Thaksin's crimes and end his exile; party vows to do all it can to block it
Thailand's parliament yesterday moved a step closer to granting amnesty to people involved in a political conflict that has divided the country for almost a decade, prompting thousands to protest in the streets and renewing fears of violence.
The 500-member House of Representatives passed the bill after 19 hours of acrimonious debate, which culminated in the entire opposition walking out of the chamber and refusing to vote. The bill was then passed with the 310 members from the pro-Thaksin ruling coalition left in the house voting for it and no votes against. It must now be approved by the Senate to become law.
The opposition, led by the Democrat Party, said the bill would whitewash crimes by Thaksin, whose sister Yingluck Shinawatra is prime minister.
Thaksin was hugely popular and carried large majorities in winning office, especially from rural voters who gained from his populist policies. But he remains a highly divisive figure seven years after being ousted by a military coup over allegations of corruption and disrespect for Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Opposition to his return arouses fierce passions that has sometimes led to violence.