Bangkok: "Phradon" has publicly criticized "Chalat" for allegedly not maintaining neutrality during a crucial whip meeting that failed to reach a conclusion on the prime ministerial vote. The critique came on a day when the vote for the prime minister was a key agenda item.
According to Thai News Agency, Paradorn Prisananantakul, MP for Ang Thong and a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, voiced his concerns after the House of Representatives' Joint Coordination Committee meeting. Paradorn accused Chalat Khamchuang, the Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, of failing to act impartially and siding with his political party, Pheu Thai, during the meeting. This criticism followed the announcement by Chalat and Wisut Chainarun, the president of the Pheu Thai Party, that the whip meeting yielded no conclusions.
Paradorn highlighted that the Prachachon Party had clearly stated its decision earlier in the day, and that a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed between Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, and the Prachachon Party. Paradorn submitted a letter to Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House, confirming sufficient votes for the prime minister's selection on September 5th. However, concerns were raised by the Pheu Thai Party regarding the appointment of Sarawut Songsiwilai as a Constitutional Court judge, which they argued might affect the prime ministerial selection process.
Paradorn also contested the notion of dissolving Parliament, which he deemed inappropriate and unprofessional. He emphasized that the executive holds the power to dissolve Parliament, while the legislative body must adhere to its constitutional responsibilities. Paradorn, along with Bhumjaithai Party MP Nan Bunthida Somchai, objected to the meeting's focus, which did not address the prime ministerial selection agenda.
Paradorn expressed his adherence to procedural rules and emphasized that the Speaker of the House has the authority to prioritize urgent agenda items. He reiterated his hope for the Speaker to fulfill his legislative duties by expediting the selection of a new prime minister, in accordance with constitutional obligations.
Paradorn further assured that the Speaker of the House could be appointed urgently, as per regulations. He expressed confidence in the Speaker's impartiality and hoped for a swift inclusion of the prime ministerial election in the legislative agenda for September 5th.