Pheu Thai dismisses calls to dissolve House over charter clash
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has dismissed the opposition People’s Party’s call to dissolve the House, with Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang clarifying that differing views on a proposed charter amendment do not signify a rift serious enough to destabilise the coalition.
“This will not affect the coalition’s stability. Business continues as usual despite the impasse.”
Joint sittings to discuss amendments to Section 256 of the 2017 charter collapsed on February 13 and 14 due to a lack of quorum, prompting opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut to call for the House’s dissolution. He attributed the collapse to insufficient attendance by government MPs.
Natthaphong cited a lack of unity within the coalition, leading to the joint sitting’s failure. To which Pheu Thai list MP Anusorn Iamsa-ard responded, reaffirming the party’s stance.
“Differences in opinion are normal. Pheu Thai can still lead the coalition and implement its policies. The government is set to complete its full four-year term.
“The opposition should not embarrass itself by framing these rumours as a crisis.”
Sutin noted that Pheu Thai intends to petition the Constitutional Court to determine whether a referendum is necessary before changing the charter.
“The court’s ruling will help resolve this deadlock.”
Government MPs remain divided over the necessity of the ruling due to unclear wording in the 2021 court ruling, which mandates a public referendum before starting a charter drafting process, reported Bangkok Post.
Pheu Thai’s legal team is actively preparing arguments to first gain Parliamentary support to revisit the court and seek a definitive ruling. Only then can the party proceed with debating the charter rewrite bills proposed by both Pheu Thai and the People’s Party, Sutin explained.
In related news, Thailand’s charter amendment debate descended into chaos as the joint sitting of MPs and senators was abruptly adjourned due to a lack of quorum. The Pheu Thai Party strategically withheld participation to prevent the bill’s rejection, while a senator pushed for a Constitutional Court ruling on the process.
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