A majority of people agree with the bill on criminal procedures for holders of political positions, allowing the trial in absentia of politicians who are defendants in criminal cases, according to the result of an opinion survey by the National Insitute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll. The poll was carried out July 25-27 on 1,251 people, aged 18 and over, of various levels of education and occupations througout the country. The bill was passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) earlier this month and is pending royal endorsement. A majority - 69.54% - agree with the bill's provision allowing the trial of politicians in criminal cases in absentia, reasoning that without the defendants' presence, the time granted by the statute of limitations in the cases may expire; 25.58% disagreed, believing that the accused should be given a chance to defend themselves; and the rest were uncertain or had no comment. A majority of the respondents - 54.20% - believed the bill would help reduce corruption by holders of political positions to a certain extent; 24.70% said it would not be of much help; 13.59% said it would not be of any help because corruption is so deep-rooted in Thai society; and 7.51% were uncertain or had no comment.

Source: Bangkok Post July 30, 2017 04:51 UTC