Bangkok: Siripong Angkasakulkiat, deputy leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed the collapse of the House of Representatives during the debate on the Clean Air Management Act, commonly known as the "Clean Air Act." He pointed out that the Pheu Thai Party, which originally proposed the bill, failed to ensure a quorum, leading to its downfall.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong highlighted the usual expectation that the government ensures quorum due to its responsibility for most legislative proposals. However, in this instance, the Clean Air Act was initiated by the Pheu Thai Party during the previous administration. Despite taking over a year and eight months to reach Parliament, the bill saw only about 20 Pheu Thai MPs present for the crucial vote.
Mr. Siripong explained that it is common for opposition parties, like the Bhumjaithai Party, to attend meetings without identifying themselves to test whether the government or the proposing party is committed to maintaining quorum and advancing the bill. He criticized the Pheu Thai Party for failing to uphold this responsibility, indicating a lack of interest in parliamentary duties since becoming the opposition. Despite their initial enthusiasm for the legislation, their absence during the vote resulted in a sudden rejection of the bill they had proposed. He further noted that the Pheu Thai Party continues to claim involvement in legislative processes, even when absent from parliamentary sessions.