Bangkok: Chaiya Promma, the First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has issued an apology for adjourning a recent parliamentary meeting before the discussion of MOU resolutions 43-44 could take place. Despite his affiliation with the Pheu Thai Party, Chaiya emphasized his impartiality in the matter and attributed the closure to a coordination error, urging both government and opposition whips to communicate effectively.
According to Thai News Agency, Chaiya addressed concerns over the abrupt meeting adjournment, explaining that he had been advised to acknowledge reports from several agencies following the discussions. However, only the Creative Media Fund was prepared to present on that day. Consequently, he was instructed to adjourn the meeting if no further discussions were scheduled. Chaiya expressed regret over perceptions that the meeting was closed to avoid issues, emphasizing that discussions between the opposition and government should have continued to completion.
Chaiya further clarified that, as chair, he was unaware of any coordination efforts as he did not have the right to be informed. Despite observing the chief whips of both sides in dialogue, he did not receive further instructions and followed the initial agreement to adjourn the meeting. He reiterated that there was no hidden agenda and expressed his commitment to ensuring that Parliament operates smoothly.
Addressing the demands from protesters for a general debate under Section 152, Chaiya noted that a formal proposal process involving all political parties had not yet occurred. He apologized to the public for any inconvenience and called for Parliament to function without unnecessary political maneuvering. He emphasized the importance of resolving national issues and encouraged both sides to cooperate for the greater good.
Chaiya acknowledged past disruptions caused by premature meeting closures and urged for mutual understanding and flexibility between parties. He noted that the MOU resolution had been discussed multiple times without conclusion, and without clear resolution, the meeting could not proceed.
When questioned about potential future disruptions, Chaiya reaffirmed the responsibility of the government whip to ensure proper proceedings. He distanced himself from being a tool of any party, maintaining his commitment to impartiality and stressing that his actions are scrutinized by the public, not just the opposition.
Chaiya concluded by emphasizing the need for strict adherence to parliamentary voting procedures to prevent similar issues in the future, underscoring his dedication to maintaining political credibility and effective governance.