Opposition lawmaker challenges PM to a duel

An opposition politician on Thursday challenged PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to a trial by combat. Saranwut Saranke, a member of the Pheu Thai party and MP for the northern Uttaradit province, made the challenge during the recent censure debate.

After repeating a claim that Prayut harboured disloyalty toward the monarchy for failing to fully recite his oath of office last year, Saranwut challenged the PM, who is also a general in the Thai army and the minister of defence, to prove his fealty by meeting him for a duel in front of Bangkok’s Emerald Buddha Temple.

“Both of us bring a bullet each, then shoot at each other with that one shot.”

The MP said he’s already made his farewell to his children and left them with a will.

After an objection from coalition MP Sira Janejaka, who taunted Saranwut that “there’s no need for a duel, because I’ve seen your gun. Your gun is so small,” the House Speaker scolded Saranwut and demanded he withdraw the challenge. Saranwut complied.

“But let me say I withdrew my word out of respect for the House Speaker.”

It was the second threat of violence made by lawmakers in bursts of emotion during the no-confidence debate. On Wednesday night, Seri Ruam Thai Party MP Sereepisuth Temeeyaves ended a heated exchange with Deputy House Speaker Supachai Phosu by telling him, “I’ll see you outside the Parliament,” prompting an uproar from lawmakers.

“I’m not afraid of you, Mr. Seree, stop making threats like that.”

Sereepisuth, a former police commissioner, responded that he only wanted to talk with Supachai in his office, and insisting he did not mean any harm.

SOURCE: Khaosod English