Bangkok: Chaiya Promma, the First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has voiced his concerns regarding the potential dissolution of Parliament, emphasizing that while it is the government's right to dissolve, it should not be precipitated by the minority status of the government.
According to Thai News Agency, Chaiya addressed the Prime Minister's statement on the readiness to dissolve Parliament on the opening day of the parliamentary session, December 12th. He clarified that while dissolution is a government prerogative aimed at counterbalancing legislative power, it should not be used as a result of a minority vote. He stressed that the government should welcome scrutiny from the opposition to ensure transparency, particularly during crucial debates such as the no-confidence debate, where public interest is heightened.
Chaiya also expressed his concerns about the impact of dissolving Parliament on the ongoing process of constitutional amendments. He highlighted that drafting a new constitution is a critical task, as the existing constitution emerged from a non-traditional process with many aspects needing revision. He called for public participation in the drafting process to ensure the constitution aligns with current political realities and societal needs.
Additionally, Chaiya underscored the importance of acknowledging the historical context of the current constitution, which he described as the product of a coup. He lamented that dissolving Parliament would disrupt the mechanism for drafting a new constitution, a process he believes should be a collaborative effort involving all political stakeholders.
Chaiya further remarked on the readiness of political parties for a potential election, noting that preparations such as candidate selection and party restructuring indicate that parties are prepared to enter the electoral process immediately if Parliament is dissolved as anticipated by the Prime Minister.