Debate Session Maintains Order as Time Allocation Strategy Proves Effective

Bangkok: The first day of the parliamentary debate concluded smoothly, adhering strictly to the scheduled time allocations. The opposition expressed willingness to extend the chairman's time if needed, ensuring that the meeting proceeded as planned. Teacher Manit conveyed his enthusiasm to continue the discussions until the early hours of the morning, as agreed upon. According to Thai News Agency, at 02:18 on March 25, Mr. Pichet Chueamuangphan, acting as chairman, announced that the opposition party's debaters were no longer available. Mr. Krumanit Sangphum, MP for Surin, stated that participants, including those responsible for maintaining meeting regulations, were still alert and prepared to continue until 5:30 a.m. as scheduled. He expressed eagerness for the next day's proceedings and inquired about the start time to ensure an earlier conclusion. Chutipong Pipoppinyo, Rayong MP for the Prachachon Party and member of the opposition coordination committee, outlined the time allocation agreement for March 25. The schedule allocated 1 hour for the chairman, 3 hours and 30 minutes for the cabinet and government, and 11 hours for the opposition, totaling 15 hours and 30 minutes. It was clarified that any unused time from March 24 would not be carried over, and debates could continue past midnight on March 25 until the opposition's allocated time was fully utilized. The opposition parties committed to efficient time management, starting the debates promptly at 8:00 a.m. Ms. Phakamon Nunan, MP for the Prachachon Party, emphasized the importance of maximizing the debate's effectiveness. If protests consumed too much time, the opposition was willing to allocate additional time for the chairman to maintain order. Mr. Saran Timsuwan, MP for Loei from the Pheu Thai Party, supported the time allocation agreement and called for cooperation to ensure the debates concluded within the agreed timeframe. He urged all members to work collaboratively for the benefit of the public, as demonstrated in the smooth proceedings of t he first day. The chairman adjourned the meeting at 02:22 a.m., scheduling the next session to resume at 8:00 a.m. the following day.