House dissolution: Phumtham shoots down charter row rumours
A fiery political debate over Thailand’s charter referendum sparked speculation about a potential House dissolution but Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai isn’t buying it.
Brushing off claims from Pheu Thai list-MP Cherdchai Tantisirin, Phumtham insisted that tensions between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party wouldn’t boil over.
“Dr Cherdchai is entitled to his opinion.”
Phumtham stressed that coalition policies aren’t dictated by individual views.
The controversy stems from disagreements over the voting threshold for passing a referendum on amending the constitution. The House favours a simple majority, while the Senate demands a double majority: over 50% voter turnout and majority approval from participants.
A joint MP-Senate committee recently sided with the Senate’s stricter requirements, backed by Bhumjaithai.
Cherdchai warned that failing to resolve the dispute could force a House dissolution,reported Bangkok Post. However, Phumtham dismissed the possibility, stating that only Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holds the authority to dissolve the House, and she has shown no inclination to do so.
“Disagreements will be worked out in Parliament.”
Meanwhile, People’s Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut steered his opposition bloc clear of the coalition squabble. The PP supports two rounds of referendums to amend the constitution, citing a 2021 Constitutional Court ruling, while the government argues for three, said Natthaphong.
“The party is always ready for elections if and when the House is dissolved.”
In related news, Thailand’s long-delayed submarine deal with China remains in troubled waters as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai admits he’s yet to make a call on the contentious project.
The 13.5 billion baht procurement of an S26T Yuan-class submarine has been stalled amid political turbulence and changing leadership. The deal was initiated during General Prawit Wongsuwan’s tenure as defence minister in the post-coup government but political shifts have complicated matters.
In other news, Phumtham has mandated legal reforms to protect conscripts and low-ranking soldiers, emphasising stricter enforcement against superior commanders who fail to address military misconduct.
