House dissolution: Phumtham shoots down charter row rumours

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

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.”

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-03

 

 

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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.

Behind the scenes this coalition with Bhumjaithai party has been a bit rocky at times.

[Sydebolle]

As the country is ruled by a congregation of goons they never voted for in the first place ...............