Bangkok: The debate over the Rail Transport Act in the House of Representatives faced a significant setback as Chalat Khamchuang, the Second Deputy Speaker, ordered the meeting to be adjourned, leading to the collapse of the parliamentary session. The disruption arose when opposition MPs protested the low attendance of government MPs and announced their decision to abstain from participating.
According to Thai News Agency, the House was gathered to deliberate on the draft Railway Transport Act B.E. ..., which had already been reviewed by a Special Committee chaired by Mr. Sarawut Nuengjamnong. Initially, during the second reading, the committee's revised content was agreed upon, and voting proceeded smoothly. However, a lunch break at 2:35 PM interrupted the session, with deliberations resuming at 3:00 PM.
As the meeting continued until 4:30 PM, opposition MPs expressed their dissatisfaction with the sparse government presence. Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn from the Prachachon Party noted the absence of cars in the parking lot, indicating a lack of attendance. Consequently, opposition MPs decided to refrain from participating in the quorum check, although they were prepared to vote if a quorum was achieved.
The situation intensified when a quorum check was conducted before voting on Section 62, revealing 246 MPs present, allowing the meeting to proceed. Before voting on Section 63, Chalat Khamchuang assumed the role of presiding over the meeting and urged MPs to confirm their presence in the quorum.
Government Whip Wisut Chainarun opposed adjourning the meeting, suggesting that names of absentees should be revealed to the media and the public informed about their lack of diligence. He criticized MPs for failing to fulfill their duties despite receiving substantial salaries and urged the public to reconsider electing them in the future.
Mr. Wiroj countered that the government whip would bear responsibility if the meeting failed, pointing out that the Rail Transport Bill remained unresolved. He reported that some MPs had already left for Ayutthaya province, unable to return in time.
In support of Mr. Wisut, Mr. Pakornwut Udompipat from the Prachachon Party highlighted that opposition MPs present in the meeting room did not identify themselves, advocating for public disclosure of their names. He argued that earlier scrutiny would have resulted in the meeting's collapse by noon.
Ultimately, Chalat decided to adjourn the meeting, concluding the consideration of the draft Rail Transport Act at Section 63. The meeting was officially adjourned at 5:13 PM.