Parliament Passes Amnesty Bill With 306 Votes
Parliament approved a controversial amnesty bill on July 9 with 307 votes in favor, largely backed by government coalition parties despite significant opposition from Democrats and other parties.
The House of Representatives approved a draft amnesty bill on July 9, 2024, with 307 votes in favor and 141 against, with 2 abstentions. A review of voting records shows the 307 supporting votes came predominantly from government coalition MPs. Bhumjaithai Party members cast 183 of the party's 192 total votes in favor, with Deputy House Speaker Mallika Jirapontavanicha abstaining and 8 other members absent from voting.
Notably absent from voting were Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister serving as a party list MP and party leader, Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachon Chidchop serving as party secretary, and Deputy Digital Economy Minister Nanbunyida Somchai serving as party spokesperson.
The Pheu Thai Party provided 66 supporting votes from its 74 MPs, with MP Adisorn Piangket voting against the measure in defiance of party position. Seven Pheu Thai members did not cast votes, including MP Jaturont Chayaeng. The Palang Pracharath Party contributed 4 supporting votes, with party leader Thawee Sodsai absent from voting. The Kao Klai Party had 44 supporting votes and 25 absent, including brothers Thammanas and Akara Phromphao.
Opposition came from 141 votes, with the Democrat Party casting 119 against votes. The Democratic Party, led by former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, cast 16 opposing votes, though MP Pitakdej Detchdetcho from Nakhon Si Thammarat abstained. Four other Democratic members did not cast votes, including Deputy Party Leader Kardee Reauyphirun and former party leaders Chuan Leekpai, Sathit Wongnongti, and Sakolthee Pattiyakul. The United Thai gave 4 opposing votes from 6 members, and the New Dimension Party cast 1 opposing vote.
