Bangkok: Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai Party list MP, firmly stated that the House of Representatives did not collapse during the recent meeting, highlighting the significant progress made in passing several articles of parliament.
According to Thai News Agency, Wisut, who also serves as the chairman of the coalition government coordination committee, addressed the meeting held on August 21st. He clarified that the meeting was adjourned not due to a lack of quorum but because MPs needed to attend prayer services. He expressed surprise at reports suggesting that the First Deputy Speaker had absconded from the quorum count. No such count took place as the House was actively considering the draft Rail Transport Act, which comprises over 165 sections and required continuous voting.
Wisut pointed out that both opposition and government members worked diligently, with some sections of the Act being amended and others not. He acknowledged the exhaustion felt by all members, who struggled to find time for basic needs during the meeting. Following the conclusion of the Rail Act, Wisut noted that the draft Common Ticket Management Act remained a considerable task, yet everyone continued to persevere despite their fatigue.
Expressing concern for his colleagues, Wisut approached the meeting chair to request an adjournment, citing the need for Muslim MPs to fulfill their religious obligations and the overall tiredness of the participants. He explained that missing 30-40 MPs for prayers could have led to a quorum issue. Wisut thanked both the government and opposition for their hard work, emphasizing that there was no political maneuvering involved in the adjournment request.
When questioned about potential future quorum issues, Wisut expressed confidence that the opposition was not engaging in political games. He highlighted the intensity of the previous day’s vote count, which exceeded 100 votes, and stressed the importance of passing the common ticket law to benefit grassroots citizens by enabling them to use the electric train’s 20 baht flat rate.