Bangkok: The Senate today approved Itthiphon Kaewthip as the new Attorney General following a contentious meeting marked by heated exchanges between senators. The meeting, chaired by Senate President Mongkol Surachat, saw Itthiphon Kaewthip, nominated by the Standing Committee, receive overwhelming support despite intense debate over procedural delays.

According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was temporarily disrupted by a debate led by Senator Nantana Nantvaropa, who raised concerns about the previous week’s vote on the approval of Supreme Administrative Court judges. She argued that the rights of senators to debate without obstruction were being compromised. Her stance sparked dissatisfaction on social media, with some accusing senators of obstructing justice.

Ms. Nantana insisted that discussions regarding the approval of officeholders in independent organizations were crucial for protecting public interests. She urged her fellow senators to consider delaying votes related to these organizations until allegations of misconduct had been resolved. Her calls for transparency and accountability were met with interruptions from Senator Phisit Apiwatanapong, leading to a heated exchange moderated by Mr. Mongkol.

Despite the tensions, the meeting proceeded, and Itthiphon Kaewthip was approved with a vote of 172 in favor, none against, 14 abstentions, and one no vote, securing his position as a member of the House of Representatives. The approval marks a significant development in the ongoing political landscape, underscoring the complexities of navigating political processes amidst debates on ethical conduct and procedural integrity.