Bangkok: Independent senators have publicly opposed the formation of a special committee intended to study the cancellation of MOUs 43-44, which pertain to the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. They have criticized the proposal as a political maneuver rather than a genuine effort to address national issues.
According to Thai News Agency, the independent senators, led by Dr. Premsak Piayura, Lt. Cmdr. Wuttipong Phongsuwan, and Senator Seranee Anilbol, held a press conference to express their opposition. They argued that the move to establish a committee was a "cow-beating" motion aimed at political gain, following a proposal from MPs of the Bhumjaithai Party. The senators questioned whether the Senate was being exploited for political purposes and announced their intention to walk out and abstain from participating in the related ceremony.
Dr. Premsak explained that the Senate received a motion to establish a committee for evaluating the cancellation of MOUs 43 and 44, initiated by Senator General Sawat Tasana. General Sawat is also known for his previous motion to impeach Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra. The motion, not initially on the agenda last week, was added this week, raising suspicions among the senators about its sudden inclusion.
The senators noted that the House of Representatives had initially accepted the motion but later adjourned without consideration. This led to an emergency proposal being introduced in the Senate, which they interpreted as an attempt to bypass the House of Representatives. Dr. Premsak criticized this as using the Senate for certain political parties' interests rather than public good.
Concerns were also raised about the quick scheduling of the motion without proper justification. Dr. Premsak mentioned that similar motions had been delayed in the past, contrasting with the rapid handling of the current motion. He questioned whether the push for the special committee was a tactic to utilize the budget before the fiscal year's end, given the surplus.
Lt. Col. Wuttiphong added that the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and State Security had already reviewed MOU 44 extensively and identified issues, suggesting that resolving these matters should be the government's responsibility, not the Senate's.
Dr. Premsak concluded by questioning the necessity of attending the meeting if the motion was adopted, indicating a lack of trust in the process. He also commented on the petition to remove 36 senators, stating that it was dropped due to insufficient support. He indicated that he would consider the appropriateness of submitting a new petition, depending on ongoing investigations and the circumstances surrounding the case.