(1 November) Thailand’s House of Representatives voted 310-0 to pass the controversial amnesty bill after 19 hours of debate, in which those who opposed the bill walked out in protest.
On Thursday, Democrat MPs, led by Mr. Suthep Thuegsuban, rallied at Samsen Train Station to protest against the controversial bill, which could allow Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva and even Mr. Suthep to start over with a clean slate.
According to Chief Whip, Mr. Amnuay Klangpha, the government did not plan to rush the debate and provided the opportunity for the opposition to debate against the bill, which they refused.
He then claimed that the reason the House of Representatives decided to wrap up the debate was based on reports that the protestors plan to rally to the parliament to obstruct the vote on Friday.
The draft bill will be soon deliberated in the Senate before it can be enforce. However, if rejected, commissioners will be appointed to rewrite the legislation.
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