MPs and senators stay away in droves amid debate about need for a referendum
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha speaks with the media on Friday after a joint parliamentary session on constitutional amendment bills collapsed again as dozens of MPs and Senators stayed away. Many feared that by merely appearing they could run afoul of the Constitutional Court. (Photo: Parliament)
A joint sitting of MPs and senators to examine charter amendment bills aimed at establishing a Constitutional Drafting Assembly (CDA) collapsed on Friday for a second consecutive day for lack of a quorum.
Dozens of MPs and senators stayed away from the sitting, believing it could violate a Constitutional Court ruling that such talks should not take place until a public referendum has been held.
Pheu Thai Party heavyweights denied accusations that they attempted to play both sides after the meeting was adjourned for the second day in a row.
On Thursday, Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang explained that the lead party in the coalition government feared its own bill could be rejected due to a potential conflict with the court ruling. As a result, the party opted to skip the meeting, contributing to the failure to reach a quorum.
Only 204 parliamentarians were present during a headcount on Thursday. A quorum requires at least half of the 500 MPs and 200 senators to be in attendance.
The meeting resumed on Friday with Parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha opening the session by outlining the time allocated for debate and asking People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu to present the motion.
However, Pheu Thai MP Cholnan Srikaew protested, saying there were not enough MPs and senators to proceed. This prompted Pakornwut Udompipatskul of the People’s Party to protest. A commotion ensued, with Mr Parit attempting to present the motion amid
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