Bangkok: Government MPs allegedly added names to the list of speakers to delay the budget bill's consideration, hoping to avoid reporting to the Election Commission. Ms. Pakamon Nunanan, a party-list MP from the People's Party and its spokesperson, has revealed that government MPs have been extending debate times to delay the consideration of the Budget Act. This tactic appears to be a strategy to avoid facing the Election Commission. She has advised the government to prove its intent as the debate on the southern insurgency and the Election Commission report is set to continue tomorrow, with budget considerations resuming on September 11.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Pakamon commented on the ongoing deliberations of the 2027 Budget Bill, which has now entered its third night. The House of Representatives has faced significant delays, with only one article considered by 4:00 PM, despite plans to conclude deliberations today. She highlighted the difficulty of completing the remaining deliberations due to the absence of a fixed deadline for signing petitions and the ongoing addition of debater names. Originally, estimates suggested each article would take two hours, but debates have extended to three or four hours.
Ms. Phakamon suggested that the prolonged debate by MPs, while partly for budget scrutiny, also has a political motive that the government cannot ignore. It seems aimed at preventing the budget bill from being finalized on schedule. The original agenda for tomorrow's session includes addressing issues in the southern provinces and reviewing the Election Commission's performance report for fiscal years 2024-2025. If budget considerations are not completed today, it could indicate an attempt to avoid the EC report. She expressed confidence that the public would recognize this intention.
Ms. Pakamon indicated that the opposition is open to extending budget deliberations if the government genuinely intends to do so. The deliberations could continue on September 11, as planned by the Speaker of the House. However, any attempt to remove tomorrow's agenda item regarding the Election Commission's report would clearly indicate an effort to protect the EC ahead of the September 14 vote on the Senate collusion case.
She also disclosed receiving a message from the Election Commission office suggesting no confrontation with the EC until September 14, implying smoother proceedings if the EC is shielded. As for the Senate collusion investigation involving 229 accused MPs and ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party, Ms. Phakamon stated she could not predict the EC's decision but urged public vigilance regarding political intentions. If the government is open to investigation, the House should consider the report and await the EC's decision. Otherwise, efforts to block the report's consideration suggest an intention to shield the EC.
Ms. Phakamon addressed concerns about whether the situation reflects a gamble with the national budget to protect the EC and personal interests. She stated that opinions would not change, but if the government is serious about the budget, it should proceed with discussions on September 11. Altering tomorrow's agenda to prevent the EC report's consideration would clearly indicate a strategic delay in budget discussions aimed at affecting the EC report's review.