Pheu Thai Denies Trying To Escape Censure Debate

[webfact]

Pheu Thai denies trying to escape censure debate

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday denied Democrat MP Thepthai Seanapong's claim that the Pheu Thai Party and the government sought to extend the present legislative session in order to avoid a censure debate.

The extension was rather due to the charter debate itself and the constant turmoil in the Parliament caused by the opposition, he said.

The spokesman urged Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to end attempts by his party members to protect the 2007 Constitution. Most Thais wanted the Constitution, promulgated after the 2006 coup, to be amended, Prompong said.

He believed the opposition's call for a censure debate at this point was premature, given that the government had been in the post for just nine months. However, he said the government, especially Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, would be ready for a debate.

There would be no Cabinet reshuffle to avoid a censure debate, because people should be able to question their representatives, he said.

Parliament is conducting a second reading of the bill to form a Constitutional Drafting Assembly to take charge of charter change.

The latest charter debate on Tuesday night saw the approval of a 240-day deadline for charter change (clause No 291/11) and the denial of lawmakers' reserved rights to speak on the floor (clause No 291/12).

Prompong also discussed Vichien Khaokham's decision to give up his position as a Pheu Thai MP to become a candidate for the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation.

The spokesman said there was no conflict within the party over the move, as Vichien's case was different from that of Sumet Rithakhani, who failed to win the equivalent post in Pathum Thani after stepping down as an MP from the province.

The spokesman pointed out that Vichien's resignation as a party-list MP would not lead to a by-election, as Sumet's had done, as the next person in line would automatically be promoted as a new list MP.

Therefore, Vichien's move did not violate a new party rule, created after Pheu Thai's defeat in the Pathum Thani by-election, forbidding its MPs from resigning to run in local elections.

Prompong further expressed his belief that people in the province would benefit from Vichien's experience as an MP.

-- The Nation 2012-05-10

[OzMick]

".........especially Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, would be ready for a debate."

There's a first time for everything they say. But IMHO this is total crap, and the parliamentary virgin will stay away in order to avoid being slaughtered on the altar of her brother's ambition.

[WhizBang]

'However, he said the government, especially Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, would be ready for a debate.'

Somehow, I doubt that. She cannot even answer reporters questions without a script, how could she ever possibly handle a debate.

Does she even know where Parliment is?

[animatic]

"The extension was rather due to the charter debate itself and the constant turmoil in the Parliament caused by the opposition, he said."

Considering PTP's act as opposition this is a royally disingenuous statement.

PTP was noted from incredible attempts at creating turmoil when they were in opposition, and serial Censure Debates based on lies typically promugated by Jatuporn.

And this nugget.

"He believed the opposition's call for a censure debate at this point was premature, given that the government had been in the post for just nine months."

If they screw the pooch in month #1, that is enough reason for a Censure Debate.

There is nothing in ANY Thai constitution that says "premature" is a viable option to stifle debate on bad actions by any government.

Sorry you don't get a free pass honeymoon with the peoples welfare at stake.

Edited May 10, 2012 by animatic

[Moruya]

running scared now and trying to throw mud at the Dems.

PTP were a disgrace as oposition - hopping from the "can't be bothered to turn up" to shocking behaviour at debates

[JohnAllan]

"Most Thais wanted the Constitution, promulgated after the 2006 coup, to be amended, Prompong said." Other than having held a referendum so secret that not even the voters knew of it, the PT must have access to privileged information. Perhaps they should share the source with the electorate.

[Skywalker69]

"Most Thais wanted the Constitution, promulgated after the 2006 coup, to be amended, Prompong said." Other than having held a referendum so secret that not even the voters knew of it, the PT must have access to privileged information. Perhaps they should share the source with the electorate.

"especially Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, would be ready for a debate"

I can´t wait for that to happen, I would not bet my money on it.

[sparebox2]

But no escape from another coup.

[Siripon]

Yingluk facing Apisit across the chamber in a censure debate, that would be fun to watch.

Wichean broke the new Pheua Thai party rule within a week of it being imposed! He has to run in Udon to prevent the red shirts from disintegrating into infighting.

[khaowong1]

Debate? They don't know how to debate. They don't know how to legislate. They are the most incompetent group of politicians I've seen in some time.