Bangkok: Keep an eye on the Cabinet meeting today, preparing to consider the draft Entertainment Complex Act after the Ministry of Finance has circulated opinions from various agencies.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet meeting today is taking place after the no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, which was postponed from Tuesday. Before the meeting, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, addressed the media regarding the Constitutional Court's decision to accept a petition from Senators. The petition seeks a ruling on the ministerial positions of Mr. Phumtham and Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, who have proposed an investigation into the senator selection process to the Special Case Committee.
Mr. Phumtham stated that no legal team has been established to provide clarification within the 15-day schedule, as he believes there are no immediate issues. He emphasized that it is a matter of individuals performing their duties while considering the court's discretion. Mr. Phumtham expressed his intention to clarify his actions, asserting they were in line with legal procedures and affirmed his confidence in the court's ruling.
Furthermore, Mr. Pakorn Nilpraphun, Secretary-General of the Council of State, refrained from commenting on whether this matter could be compared to the case of Mr. Settha Thavisin, the former Prime Minister, whose ethical conduct was previously reviewed, as it is currently under the Constitutional Court's consideration.
In addition to this, the Cabinet meeting will address the proposed draft of the Entertainment Complex Business Act. This draft, presented by the Ministry of Finance, has undergone amendments by the Office of the Council of State, and both the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Finance have affirmed their positions before submitting it to the cabinet.
The agenda also includes the consideration of the 'secret agenda' concerning the draft of the Securities and Exchange Act. This draft aims to increase the authority of the SEC Office to investigate criminal cases and penalize those involved in stock manipulation or unfair practices in the stock market. This move is part of the government's strategy to restore confidence in the stock market.
Additionally, the Treasury has proposed a draft of the Royal Decree on tax exemptions or tax measures to promote the use of large commercial electric vehicles.