Bangkok: The Senate Whip has agreed to incorporate a motion proposed by the “New Generation Senators” to defer the voting process for independent organizations, affirming that the current legislation allows for this course of action while maintaining the Senate’s full authority.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phisit Apiwattanapong, the Senator and Spokesperson of the Senate Special Committee on Affairs (Senate Whip), reported that following the Senate Whip meeting, the motion by Senator Thewarit Maneechai to delay the agenda concerning the approval of the independent organization committee was approved. This motion is set to be included in the agenda on either May 29 or May 30, pending the consideration of Senate President Mr. Mongkol Surachat. The procedural order requires the motion to be prioritized before setting up a special committee to review backgrounds and conduct approval votes for the independent organization.

Mr. Phisit confirmed that the Senate Whip will indeed include the motion and emphasized the necessity of a final vote to decide on the postponement. If the majority votes in favor of the delay, the entire process will be postponed. He assured that the debate regarding this matter will not be constrained by time limits, allowing ample opportunity for discussion.

In response to inquiries about the legal feasibility of this postponement, Mr. Phisit asserted that the Senate had adhered to all legal protocols. He highlighted that the Senate meeting regulations, specifically Section 105, stipulate a 60-day consideration period for the ethics examination of independent organizations, with a possible extension of 30 days, indicating that further delays are not legally permissible.

Mr. Phisit addressed criticisms suggesting the postponement demonstrates a lack of integrity, questioning the understanding of the law and regulations by those parties. He clarified that, in accordance with Section 129, paragraph two of the constitution, senators retain full authority unless convicted or suspended from duty. He further explained that even if a vote were to approve independent organizations today, any subsequent conviction of senators would not render their previous actions unlawful.

Regarding concerns about extending the consideration of independent organizations into the regular session, Mr. Phisit noted that this should be done within the allowable timeframe. He explained that the current extraordinary session permits consideration and that postponing the decision does not exceed regulatory time limits. He emphasized that proceeding within the open session aligns with budgetary and legal constraints.

Addressing the issue of public pressure, Mr. Phisit urged the public to understand the law thoroughly and advocated for democratic processes over mob influence. He also addressed media allegations of unfair scrutiny towards senators, expressing concern over accusations of potential future misconduct due to conflicts of interest. He argued that such accusations undermine the integrity and efforts of both the selected individuals and the recruitment committee, which he finds unacceptable.