Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party apologizes to the public for the delay in the 20 baht flat-rate electric train project, which is being delayed due to three bills not yet being passed by Parliament. They have instructed MPs to maintain a quorum and insist on pushing forward the policy, despite Pheu Thai having only two MPs in Bangkok and the surrounding area. They urge the People’s Party to prioritize the public interest and are not concerned about the pending legislation at the Senate level.
According to Thai News Agency, Danupon Punnakanta, a party-list MP and spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the potential delay of the 20-baht flat-rate electric train project. He stated that he would like to apologize to the public for the delays caused by three laws necessary for the 20-baht flat-rate electric train project, resulting in delays for those waiting to use the 20-baht flat-rate electric train. The Pheu Thai Party formally apologizes and explains that the delays stem from three laws: the Rail Transport Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate, and the Common Ticket Act, which is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives. The next bill will be considered tomorrow. Following the Common Ticket Act, another bill will be introduced.
He emphasized that both bills are important and necessary laws to be enforced for the construction of the 20-baht electric train system. This is because the construction of electric trains in Bangkok is a private concession. Therefore, whether the private sector is allowed to operate or not must comply with the law. A committee has been established to review the Rail Transport Act and the Common Ticket Act.
Mr. Danupon stated that the Pheu Thai Party understands that quorum matters are the government’s responsibility, but he emphasized that the beneficiaries of this law are the people of Bangkok and its vicinity. He emphasized that the law’s passage will reduce the cost of living, particularly travel costs, during this economic downturn. He confirmed that he pushed for this law despite knowing that the Pheu Thai Party only has two MPs in Bangkok and its vicinity.
“Therefore, I would like to urge Bangkok MPs from various political parties to consider this matter and help push for this law to be successful, as the people living in Bangkok and its vicinity will benefit,” said a Pheu Thai Party spokesperson.
Mr. Danupon also stated that the Pheu Thai Party meeting today emphasized the need for a quorum to push for the passage of this law. He thanked the opposition parties, particularly the Prachachon Party, in advance for their cooperation in pushing for this law. On behalf of the Pheu Thai Party, we thank the people of Bangkok and the surrounding provinces for their efforts in ensuring the law’s swift implementation. Tomorrow, the government whip will coordinate with the opposition whip to expedite the passage of this law.
When asked if he was concerned about the cooperation the bills would receive after being approved by the House of Representatives and then before being considered by the Senate, Mr. Danupon said he was not concerned because he knew that senators were also representatives of the people. He believed that once the senators had seen the MPs’ deliberations, the people would benefit from the three laws, as they would reduce the cost of living and travel. He believed the senators would pass them in his favor.