ID :
341757
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 12:42
Auther :

Thai NLA approves draft bills on aviation

BANGKOK, September 18 (TNA) - Thailand's National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has approved two draft bills on air transport and offences against air navigation to maintain public safety and national security. Thursday's NLA session, chaired by NLA Vice President Surachai Liengboonlertchai, considered altogether 10 draft bills, including those on air transport and offences against air navigation, proposed by Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also Chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). NLA members then approved the draft bill on air transport with the majority vote of 150, one objection and two abstentions, and also that on offences against air navigation with the majority vote of 153, two abstentions. An extraordinary committee, comprising 15 persons was set up for interpretation and review the appoved draft bills, the task of which was set to be completed within seven days. During the debate, some NLA members, however, objected to a hefty fine of 20,000 baht to be imposed on smokers in restricted areas, arguing that smoking has already been prohibited on aircraft. Some NLA members also argued that a minimum imprisonment of 15 years for those affecting public and airport safety, including a closure, is too severe. New Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told the NLA members, meanwhile, that the issuance of the bills is vital, aimed at providing security to international passengers and aviation officials and enabling them to reach their destinations. Air Chief Marshal Prajin pointed out that an airport closure damages property of passengers and obstruct international airlines from landing or departing. The transport minister promised, however, that the objections raised by the NLA members will be reconsidered at the scrutiny committee level. (TNA)

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