Bangkok: The Prime Minister affirmed his respect for the House of Representatives by staying to listen to the full two-day policy statement from Parliament. He assigned Paradorn to rotate the Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, who will remain in their seats throughout the meeting before returning to the Cabinet meeting on the evening of September 30.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bhumjaithai Party held a meeting of MPs, ministers, and representatives from the coalition government. MPs gradually arrived at the party headquarters, including Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, who was the first to arrive. She revealed that she was informed of the meeting in preparation for the government’s policy statement the following day. During her arrival, reporters teased her about working on a holiday, to which Suphajee replied, “I don’t have any holidays,” with a thumbs-up.
Other attendees included Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkhongchana, Minister of Industry; Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture; Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Transport; Mr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphat, Minister of Finance; and Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice.
Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, provided an interview after meeting with ministers and coalition leaders to prepare for the government’s policy statement on September 29-30. He mentioned that there was a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of ministers and members of the House of Representatives for the upcoming policy statement. He assured that no special instructions were necessary, as all were aware of their duties. Ministers were advised to prepare information to address concerns raised by parliament members. When asked if this would be a rehearsal for a no-confidence debate, he discouraged political interpretations and emphasized transparency and accountability. Ministers were encouraged to be ready to address any concerns.
Mr. Anutin also discussed the allocation of ministers for addressing issues, highlighting the presence of a policy framework. If a parliament member raised questions within this framework, the responsible minister needed to provide answers and clarity. He emphasized his commitment to attending both days until the session ended to show respect for parliament members. He also noted that the Cabinet seat in Parliament must have a Deputy Prime Minister and a minister present at all times. Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, will coordinate ministerial responses, ensuring that suggestions from members are clearly communicated.
Regarding the Cabinet meeting scheduled for September 30th, Mr. Anutin confirmed it will occur after the policy statement to Parliament, expected to conclude in the evening. The meeting will be held at Government House, as necessary equipment and officials, such as the Cabinet Secretary and other secretaries, will not accompany him to Parliament. Instead, the Cabinet will relocate to Government House for the meeting.