Discussions on Thailand's amnesty bills start

BANGKOK, March 11 (TNA) - Discussions on Thailand's amnesty bills, initiated by Deputy House Speaker Jaroen Jankomol, started on Monday, drawing four parties concerned without the presence of opponents of such the bills. Jaroen has invited representatives of 10 parties involved in unsettled domestic political issues to discuss the amnesty bills, aimed at paving the way for national reconciliation. Present at Monday's first discussions, however, included representatives of the red-clad United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the ruling Pheu Thai Party, the Defence Ministry and affected business operators in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area. Representatives of the Democrat Party, the Bhumjaithai Party, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the Pitak Siam Group and the Multi-Colored Group and Nicha Hiranburana Thuwatham whose husband, Colonel Romklao Thuwatham, was killed in a political unrest in previous years, did not attend the meeting. PAD Spokesman Parnthep Pourpongpan told journalists that his group disagreed with a planned amnesty for people involved in crimes and corruption; while Pheu Thai Party leader Charupong Ruangsuwan, who is also the incumbent Interior Minister, acknowledged the absence is an obstacle, as such the discussions and careful consideration are necessary for a practical amnesty bill. (TNA)