Bangkok: Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, President of the House of Representatives, addressed the current political climate in Thailand, emphasizing that despite the narrow majority in the House, the parliamentary process must continue without interference from the executive branch. He noted that political dynamics frequently shift but insisted that it is the duty of the House to maintain order and facilitate necessary meetings.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor acknowledged the challenges posed by the slim majority, citing historical instances where administration faced difficulties under similar circumstances. He stressed the independence of the parliament from the executive, ensuring that the administrative branch can perform its duties without legislative interference.
When questioned about the potential short lifespan of the current government, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor stated that the longevity of the government depends on the management by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The parliament will stick to its defined role, regardless of changes in the executive branch's tenure.
Regarding advice for the Prime Minister on the Thai-Cambodian border issue, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor expressed that the legislature must refrain from meddling in executive decisions. He anticipated that the government, along with relevant security agencies, would prioritize national sovereignty and address border issues appropriately.
On the question of whether the Thai-Cambodian issue would be discussed in the forthcoming parliamentary sessions, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor noted that discussions are currently suspended until the session resumes on July 3, 2025. He anticipated that both domestic and international issues would be raised for debate by members from opposition and government parties alike.
Addressing the vacant position of the 2nd Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives after Mr. Phradorn Prisananantakul's resignation, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor mentioned that the Secretary-General of the House will coordinate with opposition and government whips to schedule an election. He emphasized the urgency of filling the position to aid in the House's administration.
On the topic of whether the government's second-ranked party will fill the 2nd Deputy Speaker role, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor explained that the decision rests with the House of Representatives. The selection process may involve multiple candidates, necessitating a vote if more than one name is proposed.
Regarding the possibility of a no-confidence motion in the next session, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor confirmed its feasibility. He also clarified that any future prime ministerial selection would adhere to the 2017 Constitution, requiring candidates to be from pre-submitted lists to the Election Commission, thus excluding senators from participating in the selection process.
In response to a query about the Palang Pracharath Party's ability to use its original candidate list, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor affirmed its validity, provided the list was submitted to the Election Commission before the election. He reiterated that any party nominating a prime minister must first confirm the candidate's willingness to serve, following proper parliamentary submission procedures.
Lastly, addressing whether external candidates could be proposed as prime minister, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor stated that the 2017 Constitution prohibits such actions, reinforcing the need to respect the pre-election party lists and the electorate's decisions.