Charter Amendment Session Adjourned Due to Lack of Quorum
On February 13, 2025, a crucial joint session of Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators to discuss two charter amendment bills was abruptly adjourned due to insufficient attendance. The session, which began at 9:30 AM, was led by Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who called for a quorum check at 11:50 AM. Unfortunately, only 204 parliamentarians were present, far below the required minimum of 350 members (half of the total 700 MPs and senators) needed to proceed with the discussions.
Pheu Thai’s Absence: A Strategic Move?
The absence of MPs from the ruling Pheu Thai Party has been interpreted as a tactical maneuver aimed at preventing the potential rejection of the charter amendment bills. Proposed by People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu and Pheu Thai MP Wisut Chai-aroon, these bills seek to amend Article 256 of the constitution to establish a Charter Drafting Assembly (CDA) for creating a new constitution.
Coalition Tensions Emerge
Before the adjournment, members of the Bhumjaithai Party, a coalition partner, staged a walkout in protest. They cited a Constitutional Court ruling from March 2021 that mandates a public referendum prior to initiating any charter drafting process. This ruling has raised concerns about the legality of proceeding without such a referendum.
Parliamentary Drama Unfolds
As tensions escalated within the chamber, Senator Premsak Piayurat submitted an urgent motion requesting clarification from the Constitutional Court on whether Parliament could amend the charter without holding a public referendum first. This motion faced opposition from People’s Party MPs who argued it had not been formally added to the agenda.
Quorum Check Reveals Further Absences
Twenty minutes into the debate, another quorum check revealed that only 180 parliamentarians had registered their attendance. This prompted further protests from Parit Wacharasindhu, who pointed out the inconsistency in attendance figures given that Pheu Thai had 180 MPs and his party had 140 MPs.
Pheu Thai’s Position on Constitutional Court Ruling
Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsaeng articulated that their party’s absence was driven by fears that their proposed bill would be rejected due to possible conflicts with existing court rulings. Consequently, they opted for non-participation as a strategy to delay proceedings and maintain control over the legislative agenda.
Future Sessions Scheduled
Following the adjournment, President Wan Noor rescheduled the next meeting for 9:00 AM on Friday, where Premsak’s motion will be formally discussed after being added to the agenda. This development signals ongoing political maneuvering as parties navigate the complexities of constitutional amendments in Thailand.
In conclusion, the recent adjournment underscores significant political dynamics within Thailand’s legislative framework, particularly regarding constitutional reforms and party strategies in navigating legal stipulations.
