Bangkok: The Bhumjaithai Party has expressed dissatisfaction with Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha's decision to delay a live debate on the issue of "Trump's tax." The matter was raised during a meeting of the House of Representatives, chaired by Mr. Matha, where Mr. Chalat Ratchakitprakarn of the Bhumjaithai Party sought to question Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira on the subject. However, Mr. Chunhavajira was unable to attend, citing prior obligations, and requested a postponement.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chalat voiced frustration over Mr. Pichai's absence, emphasizing the importance of the issue, which is set to be enforced in two weeks. He requested a 15-minute debate to discuss the matter, stressing the need for transparency about the negotiations on the Trump tax. Mr. Chalat questioned the respect shown to the House of Representatives, as the public remains uninformed about the specifics of the tax, which he claims could lead to economic difficulties.
Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor explained that existing regulations permit a minister to postpone answering questions if they have unavoidable engagements. He acknowledged the public interest and national importance of the issue but reiterated that procedural rules must be followed. Mr. Chalat was permitted to speak briefly, but the question was postponed, with the opportunity to raise it again in future sessions.
Mr. Chalat further criticized the government's handling of the Trump tax issue, highlighting the involvement of multiple agencies and the lack of clear communication with the public. He argued that someone else could have been assigned to answer the questions in Mr. Pichai's absence, as the public remains in the dark about the tax's implications. He also raised concerns about a possible secret deal affecting national sovereignty.
The session was eventually moved to the next live question by Mr. Wan Nor, who stated that adequate time for debate had been provided. He expressed the need for ministers to be available for questions, noting that the House had made provisions for them to work from its premises.
Mr. Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, Chief Whip of the Opposition from the Prachachon Party, and other MPs from the Bhumjaithai Party, including Ms. Nan Bunthida Somchai and Mr. Phradorn Prisananantakul, criticized the speaker's frequent interruptions during debates. They questioned the importance of the issue and the need for the minister's presence to provide answers.
In response, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor clarified that Mr. Chalat had completed his discussion and that the proceedings needed to continue. He maintained that he had given Mr. Chalat the opportunity to speak and that the debate time could not be extended further.