Bangkok: The House of Representatives experienced significant turmoil as government and opposition members clashed over issues related to meeting quorum. The government faced criticism from opposition members for accusing Bangkok MPs of negligence. In response, members of the People's Party countered that if the government had been truly responsible, the legislative process would have been smoother.
According to Thai News Agency, the session began with MPs given three minutes each to discuss public concerns. Mr. Krumanit Sangphum, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Surin, addressed the aid situation on the Thai-Cambodian border. His extended commentary drew protests from Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a Prachachon Party MP, who accused Mr. Krumanit of partiality and the government of failing to meet quorum requirements. He argued that opposition MPs were present, but the coalition failed to fulfill their duties.
The dispute escalated when Mr. Wichai Sutsawat, a Chumphon MP from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, defended the coalition, citing external factors like traffic congestion due to heavy rain as reasons for the delay. He urged all parties to refrain from politicizing the issue.
Mr. Watcharapol Khaokham, a government whip and Pheu Thai Party MP, clarified the necessity of the proposed bills and insisted that the government was committed to their implementation. He noted the opposition's role in the quorum issue, prompting the House Speaker to expedite the session to address the legislative agenda.
Tensions flared further when Natcha Boonchai-insawat, a Bangkok MP from the Prachachon Party, criticized the government's handling of the quorum and legislative process. He emphasized that the opposition had its accountability mechanisms and that the government's commitment to the policy in question would be tested.
Ekarat Udom-Amnuay, another Bangkok MP from the Prachachon Party, challenged the impartiality of the House Speaker, insisting on the retraction of remarks targeting Bangkok MPs. Mr. Watcharapol eventually retracted his comments concerning the quorum but maintained his stance on the matter.
Mr. Nattawut Buapratum, an opposition whip from the Prachachon Party, addressed the recent shutdown of a session by the First Deputy Speaker of the House. He demanded assurances against abrupt session closures, emphasizing the need for collaborative decision-making.
The meeting's agenda included critical items such as the draft Common Ticket Management Act and the draft Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act, which proposed a 20-baht flat-rate electric train fare. These bills failed to progress in the previous session due to quorum issues, necessitating their reconsideration.