The coalition whips rejected two draft amendments to...

The coalition whips rejected two draft amendments to the Penal Code in regard to international terrorism and the abolition of the death penalty for minors. They asked the government to rewrite them.
Chief coalition whip Snoh Thienthong said the draft amendments were too broadly written.
In the amendment on international terrorism, the term "terrorist group" was so poorly defined as to cover any people's association, he said. The draft was meant to fulfil Thailand's obligation under the international coalition against terrorism in the wake of the September 11 attacks on the US.
On the abolition of the death penalty for minors, the chief whip expressed concern that it would lead to drug gangs increasing their recruitment of underage traffickers, as they could avoid capital punishment. He suggested the Council of State empower the court to exercise judicial discretion when sentencing a minor.