Chart Party Leader Demands Freedom Of Speech In Parliament

Mr. Banharn has demanded the govt to allow members of parliament to discuss over every ambiguous subject

Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) has demanded the government to show its sincerity in allowing members of the parliament to discuss over ambiguous subjects; otherwise, organizing the government's general debate would be useless.

He referred to the government’s request for the joint session of both Houses, saying that it depends on the government's sincerity to tackle the problems. The government should allow every unit to make criticisms, especially the Opposition. He spoke about the upcoming demonstration on February 26th where Maj. Gen. Chamlong Srimuang (จำลอง ศรีเมือง), the former head of the Phalang Dharma (พลังธรรม) Party, will join the demonstration. He viewed that violence should not occur, while warning the government not to obstruct any movement because it will then cause more pressure.

Meanwhile, Chart Thai Party Deputy Leader Somsak Prisanananthakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล) notified that the joint session will not help improve the situations as the government would still act the same, particularly on curbing poverty problems and dealing with the violence in the Deep South. He said the government did not apply the parliament’s instructions.

He also said that if Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is really sincere, he should allow the Opposition to organize the no-confidence motion.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2006