Bangkok: Dr. Prem demanded that the Senate meeting discuss the motion to amend the constitution before being stopped. Dr. Prem demanded that the Senate meeting discuss the motion for a ruling on constitutional amendments. Mr. Pisit interrupted, saying it was a matter that had already been discussed and should not be brought up again in this session. Mr. Boonsong has informed the Senate President that he plans to discuss the matter at the Senate Whip meeting.
According to Thai News Agency, during the Senate meeting, chaired by Second Vice President of the Senate, Mr. Boonsong Noisophon, Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura, rose to discuss the matter of submitting a letter requesting the Senate President to include the agenda for discussion of the Constitutional Court's decision to hold three referendums to amend the Constitution. This was to encourage the Senate to participate in the process, as it is an important matter for the country and the people, and to enhance the image of the Senate, allowing it to work in tandem with the House of Representatives. He submitted the letter on September 12th, hoping that the Senate President would include the agenda and allow for consideration on September 15th. However, as of September 16th, the agenda has not been included.
Before the meeting adjourned, he requested that the President consider the matter and decide what action to take regarding the Senate's stance on constitutional amendments. This prompted Senator Pisit Apiwattanapong to debate that, as Dr. Premsak had proposed, he believed that a motion with similar principles had already been considered in this session. That was on August 5th, when the Senate was asked to consider a constitutional provision. Members were given a wide opportunity for debate on that day.
According to Senate Rules, Section 51 stipulates that a motion that has been dropped may not be re-introduced in the same session, unless the Senate President grants permission. He believes that the circumstances have changed. He stated that the Constitutional Court's ruling has not changed or differed from what was previously discussed, and that a re-discussion would be no different. This even applies to the Constitutional Court's ruling prohibiting Parliament from allowing the people to elect a Constituent Assembly (CDA). He believes this matter is within the constitutional framework. Therefore, he believes it should not be considered a motion on this session's agenda.
Mr. Boonsong explained that he was informed that the Senate President had brought the matter to the Senate Affairs Committee (Senate Whip) meeting on September 17th, where the outcome would be known. Therefore, he would like to put this matter to rest for now and adjourn the meeting.