Bangkok: “Teng” hopes the dinner party will discuss issues that are beneficial to the people and asks to push for important laws even if they are not proposed by the Cabinet, expressing readiness to examine local budgets without merely reinstating them. Mr. Nattaphong Ruangpanyawut, the leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives and the leader of the Prachachon Party, commented on Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, joining the dinner with MPs of the coalition government.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattaphong stated he would refrain from special comments but hoped the coalition MPs’ discussions would lead to meaningful governmental cooperation. As the opposition leader, he believes the Pheu Thai Party should champion laws beneficial to the populace, with a particular focus on military reform. The opposition is willing to support laws advantageous to the people, advocating for discussions centered on public benefit rather than political gains. He emphasized that if the Pheu Thai Party could engage with the coalition government on laws not originated by the Cabinet but beneficial to the people, they should collectively pursue them.
Regarding concerns about Thaksin’s involvement emphasizing the government’s perceived subservience to him, Mr. Nattaphong acknowledged societal awareness of this issue but chose not to elaborate. He stressed the importance of the government focusing on laws that benefit the public to restore confidence in parliamentary politics.
Touching on the subcommittee’s review of plans and budget requests under the 157 billion baht framework meant for economic stimulus, Mr. Nattaphong noted that the Comptroller General’s Department’s letter aligns with standard regulations. Nonetheless, he expressed concern over reports of potential budget confiscation exceeding the Ministry of Interior’s allocation, initially set by the Bhumjaithai Party, and warned against it becoming a political vendetta. He stated the need to investigate the details should such confiscation occur.
When questioned about preparations for the election, Mr. Nattaphong indicated the possibility but stressed that budget allocations for economic revival should not be used as election preparation investments. He highlighted that the public has been observant of these developments.