Bangkok: The opposition party initiated the first day of the parliamentary session by proposing a quorum count, leading to a swift adjournment of the meeting by Deputy Speaker Pichet Chueamuangphan due to insufficient votes. People's Party MPs refuted allegations of political maneuvering, suggesting instead that the event highlighted the government's instability.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives convened today for the opening of the first ordinary session of 2025, focusing initially on the Safe and Creative Media Fund report. Following the royal decree to commence the session, Akkara Thongchaisod, an MP from the Palang Pracharath Party, proposed a quorum count to verify the presence of MPs, which required at least 247 of the 494 members.
Watcharapol Khaokham, serving as the government whip secretary from the Pheu Thai Party, requested a roll call to allow time for a full quorum. Meanwhile, Kanchana Tangpong from the Democrat Party urged Deputy Speaker Pichet to wait for MPs engaged in committee meetings. Despite these efforts, after 15 minutes, it became apparent that the quorum was still insufficient, prompting Pichet to adjourn the meeting, remarking, "Today is the first day of the meeting, so let's just finish this much for now."
Phatthapong Leelaphat, a Chiang Mai MP and deputy spokesman for the Prachachon Party, commented on the government's apparent instability following the failed quorum count. He asserted that the opposition's request was not a political game but a necessary measure when government MPs failed to prioritize parliamentary proceedings. Phatthapong emphasized that the opposition would only call for quorum counts when deemed essential for addressing public issues.
Addressing concerns about the impact of cabinet members being MPs, Phatthapong dismissed any significant effect on the quorum count. He also clarified that the opposition did not intend to consistently challenge the quorum, especially when critical agendas beneficial to the public were at stake, asserting that political games should not hinder the resolution of pressing issues through parliamentary means.