PHEU THAI today (Feb. 1) explained that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin having once said he would amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law, was just his opinion and not part of the party’s campaign leading up to the general election last May, Matichon newspaper said.
This came after the Constitutional Court yesterday ruled against the Move Forward Party’s sustained attempt to amend this law and ordered an immediate end to it.
Upon being questioned by reporters whether Srettha having said he would amend Section 112 would lead to Pheu Thai being dissolved, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai’s MP for Sa Kaeo and the party’s secretary-general, said Srettha had given this reply when questioned on this issue while campaigning.
He added he too had been asked this same question and replied that any amendment would depend on public opinion and is confident in all that his party has done throughout.
He pointed out amending Section 112 was not his party’s main campaign nor was it the party’s campaign policy which has focused on the people’s wellbeing.
Asked again whether he was afraid some people would go petition for dissolving Pheu Thai, Sorawong said he was not afraid because the party has been very clear on this issue with him too having been asked about such an amendment and had always replied similarly as everyone else in the party has done that everything depends on public opinion.
Sorawong also said that amending Section 112 is a sensitive matter and has been discussed within the party with some agreeing to do so while others disagreeing but what is clear is the people must respect and honour the monarchy.
What is inappropriate should be shunned and what is thought could be changed should be discussed, he said, emphasising Section 112 is a sensitive issue.
CAPTION:
Pheu Thai MP Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, left, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right. Photo: Matichon
Also read: Constitutional Court already turned into ‘superpower’ agency: Academic
Move Forward refutes anti-monarchy accusations
Move Forward survives Constitutional Court’s ruling on lese majeste law amendment
Pita, Move Forward lose Section 112 case
Chaithawat need not be replaced as Move Forward leader: Pita
Crisis of confidence in govt could arise over Thaksin controversy: Chaithawat
Air force seeks 19 billion baht in funding for new fighters
Liverpool fans warned of money-soliciting, ludicrous scam
Threat of overtourism returns as Thailand, China sign total visa-free travel deal, as of March 1
