Bangkok: Pakornwut Udompipatsakul has expressed confusion over the Pheu Thai Party’s persistent criticisms of the People’s Party. He remarked that even if the opposition leader were to resign, the Pheu Thai Party would still be unable to assume leadership due to the existing roles of House Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He emphasized the importance of waiting for the policy statement day to evaluate which party would scrutinize the government and which would scrutinize the opposition. Pakornwut noted ongoing issues with time quotas but affirmed his readiness to collaborate despite differences.
According to Thai News Agency, Pakornwut, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, and the opposition chief whip, discussed his interactions with the Pheu Thai Party, which recently called for the resignation of the opposition leader. He mentioned that discussions were held regarding opposition whip proportions, with Pheu Thai having already reserved certain roles. A whip resolution concerning opposition proportions is expected soon.
Pakornwut stated that while Pheu Thai’s decision not to participate is their choice, he has coordinated with other opposition parties, who are expected to join. He expressed respect for their intentions and affirmed a commitment to working diligently with the opposition, despite not understanding the reasons behind calls for the opposition leader’s resignation.
He reiterated that even with a resignation, Pheu Thai cannot assume opposition leadership due to constitutional constraints unless both Deputy Speakers resign. Pakornwut assured that Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, will continue to fulfill his duties as opposition leader. He highlighted the upcoming policy statement day as a key moment for assessing the People’s Party’s scrutiny of the government.
Pakornwut questioned why Pheu Thai consistently targets the Prachachon Party after supporting the Bhumjaithai Party in government. He urged Pheu Thai to clarify its focus, whether on government scrutiny or opposition, and expressed a lack of understanding of their motives. Pakornwut emphasized his efforts to foster cooperation.
He disclosed that discussions between the opposition whips are nearing completion, with the policy statement facing time quota issues. Despite Pheu Thai’s decision not to join the opposition whip, Pakornwut mentioned their willingness to send young MPs to meetings, a move he finds puzzling. He stressed that joining the opposition whip is about collaboration on parliamentary agendas.
Pakornwut shared his experience working with various parties, acknowledging disagreements on many issues but maintaining that the opposition need not agree on everything. He reassured that he has not encountered problems like those faced by the government whip.
In response to concerns about potential conflicts between Pheu Thai and the Prachachon Party, Pakornwut downplayed such fears, highlighting the normalcy of minority governments worldwide. He asserted that weak scrutiny results from a lack of diligence, not from minority government dynamics.
Pakornwut reiterated that legislative power is distinct from executive power, emphasizing that collaboration between the People’s Party and Pheu Thai could lead to legislative success. He noted Pheu Thai’s commitment to working for the people’s interests, mentioning an upcoming bill on the Military Court Act, which would allow military personnel accused of corruption to be tried in civilian courts. This legislation aligns with Pheu Thai’s election promises and represents a step towards military reform.