Bangkok: The House of Representatives passed the draft Electric Train Act, confirming that it will benefit the entire country. The House of Representatives passed the draft Electric Train Act after opposition MPs objected to the use of MRTA funds to support the 20 baht flat fare. Meanwhile, the committee chairman confirmed that the bill would benefit not only Bangkok residents, but also those from other provinces.

According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives meeting, chaired by Mr. Chaiya Promma, First Vice President of the House, considered the draft Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act (No. ..) B.E.. which the committee had already considered. The consideration was in its second and third readings. The consideration of each section was a matter of urgency, as opposition MPs did not show up to form a quorum for each section. This resulted in only 3-5 votes exceeding the quorum for each section.

The debate that members were most interested in was Section 8, which requires that the MRTA’s revenue, after deducting various expenses, be treated as state revenue. Opposition MPs expressed concern that the MRTA’s revenue would be transferred to the state to subsidize the 20-baht flat-rate electric train fare project. They argued that the state has a duty to use the national budget to care for 70 million people nationwide, not just the 2 million who use electric trains, and that this would impact the country’s fiscal discipline.

Mr. Sarawut Nuengjamnong, Chairman of the Committee, explained that the 20-baht flat-rate electric train project benefits the entire country, not just Bangkok residents. Bangkok is not home to only Bangkokians, but also a large number of people from other provinces. This is considered beneficial to the entire country. The meeting ultimately approved the Committee’s amendment.

The meeting then voted for the third reading with 248 votes in favor, 151 votes against, no abstentions, and one vote not cast. The next step is to forward the matter to the Senate for further consideration.