Bangkok:Pharadon has firmly stated that there is no "blue regime," describing it instead as "blue parties" and dismissing the idea as rhetoric intended to fuel the ongoing no-confidence motion. He expressed skepticism about the authority of the House Committee on Legal Affairs to summon the Prime Minister for testimony in parliament, suggesting that the assessment of dictatorship can only be made when one is in power.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, a Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, addressed a regulation issued by House Speaker Sophon Saram. This regulation requires that chairpersons of 35 committees obtain a resolution before inviting individuals for clarification, a move which has been criticized for potentially monopolizing power from the executive branch to the House of Representatives. Mr. Paradorn clarified that this is likely a general guideline aligning with existing regulations and the Constitution, and is not unprecedented.
Mr. Paradorn further explained that while committee members have the power to invite individuals to testify, the regulations do not grant the committee chairperson unilateral authority to summon or call them. He acknowledged that the chairperson can set agenda items, but emphasized that any inclusion requires prior approval from the assembly.
Addressing concerns about the "blue regime" allegedly dominating the legislature, Mr. Paradorn reiterated that such a regime does not exist. He pointed out that both the Prime Minister and the party leader have denied the existence of a "blue regime," affirming only the presence of a "blue party." He argued that the term "blue regime" is being used as a rhetorical tool, particularly in the lead-up to the no-confidence debate, which he referred to as "entertainment democracy."