Thai parliament in chaos over reconciliation law

On the evening of May 31, the Thai National Assembly was in chaos when opposition lawmakers responded to the call of National Assembly Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont to vote on the national reconciliation bill that was being discussed that afternoon.



Police were present inside the Parliament building to restore order. Photo: The Nation

MPs shouted angrily when Mr Somsak ignored their requests and continued with the vote.

Police entered the parliament building to protect Mr Somsak. MPs threw sheaves of paper when Mr Somsak announced that debate on the bill would continue on the morning of June 1.

The event was broadcast widely on Thai television across the country. Meanwhile, thousands of "yellow shirt" members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) are still protesting the bill. Some believe it is a measure to allow former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand after a period of exile.

Protesters have threatened to storm the National Assembly to prevent a vote on the bill, which would grant amnesty to all political criminals, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Previously, Thai government officials agreed to propose that the country's parliament consider the above bill, considering it a top priority for discussion, allowing the Thai House of Representatives to begin debate on May 31.

According to youth - DT