Protesters prevents NLA meeting

They insisted the NLA must cease its legislative function now because the general election will take place in less than two weeks and a new parliament will soon be formed.

NLA chairman Meechai Ruchuphan insisted however that the assembly will continue to carry on with its duties and refused to yield to any of the protesters' demands, creating a deadlock for further showdowns in the coming days.

The protesters, an alliance of NGOs activists, the rural poor, state enterprise union members and led by former senator Jon Ungparkon, which is also chairman of the NGO-Coordinating Committee for Development (NGOCord), declared partial victory shortly before 2pm in front of Parliament.

"I think we made history by storming the Parliament's meeting hall... but the NLA is a shameless assembly which insists that it will carry on considering bills. Although they have not been elected by anyone they serve a dictatorial regime that lacks the democratic spirit and insist they will continue to meet," said Jon. "This fight is now over, but the real fight will only be so when the NLA permanently shuts itself down."

The alliance listed what they see described as "dangerous bills" aimed to be passed by the NLA within the days to come. It includes the Internal Security Bill (ISB), which they argue will violate citizens' rights and freedom; the Privatisation Bill which will lead to further privatisation of state enterprises; the Radio and Television Activities Bill which will guarantee a monopoly of radio and television owned by the state and the military; the Water Bill which will lead to the nationalisation of water resources from rural villagers, plus the University Privatisation Bill for Chulalongkorn and Chiang Mai Universities and more.

An NLA member who asked not to be named but was formerly a key member of the antiThaksin Shinawatra's People's Alliance for Democracy, told The Nation that the odds are against the protesters.

"When the NLA votes, all bills will be passed because they have set the stage up for it all already."

Others like NLA member Kirti Bunchua said they have been appointed by the King.

"How can they usurp the authority of the king who declared this assembly open. We're merely acting according to the law and the country need laws."

Another NLA member, Suraphol Nitikraipot, who's also rector of Thammasat University said: "If they say we're illegitimate, they should have said it from the very beginning. But let me asked how this coming election is made possible? We passed the election law and society need legislators. They shouldn't oppose us because they simply didn't like some bills," said Suraphol, in reference to some NGOs leaders and activists who have been cooperative when the NLA was first appointed by Parliament.

"Many of these people are today on the other side of the fence."

Surichai Wungaew was the one NLA member who resigned effectively  (Wednesday) and although he made no mention about the legitimacy of the NLA, Surichai stated in his resignation letter that it's no longer appropriate for the NLA to be passing bills with the election just days away.

Other NLA members from civil society like Gothom Arya, Tuanjai Deetej and Wallop Tangkananurak insist they not resigning, citing they can still do good things in their current capacities.

Somkiat Tangkitvanich, members of a special committee to draft at least three bills, told The Nation that he thinks the Internal Security Bill is highly problematic although he insists not all bills are dangerous. He urged the alliance to do better homework and not prematurely portray all bills as dangerous. He also added that it would be too late for the opponents to claim that the NLA lacks legitimacy.

"Over all, I think the accusations of the group make sense. The NLA has screwed up many bills but I'm not sure about their specific complaints," he said, adding that he fears the NLA will continue to pass bills even after the election until a new Parliament is appointed, making the issue even more controversial.

Pravit Rojanaphruk,

Sathien Viriyapanpongsa

The Nation