Bangkok: "Pakamon" has publicly denied any internal conflicts within the People's Party, asserting that she does not always believe experts make the right decisions. She has called for open-mindedness among MPs in understanding committee work, criticizing the reliance on a single yardstick for determining right or wrong.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Pakamon Nunanan, a party-list MP and spokesperson for the People's Party, addressed recent comments made by Mr. Pawut Pongwitayaphanu, another party-list MP from the same party. Mr. Pawut had expressed concerns on Facebook regarding the inefficiency of parliamentary committees. Addressing his remarks and those of Mr. Sophon Saram, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms. Nunanan clarified that her views were not contradictory. She emphasized that the People's Party encourages frank and open discussions, and highlighted that many MPs lack understanding of the committees' powers and scopes.
Ms. Pakamon further elaborated that committee work is valuable and that MPs are chosen based on expertise and interests. However, constraints in committee formation prevent everyone from representing their specific interests. She underscored the importance of learning and understanding the committee processes, stating that effort and willingness to learn are crucial to becoming more qualified, rather than relying solely on expertise.
She remarked, "I don't believe that someone who is an expert in a particular field can always do it well. I do believe in those who put in the effort, those who strive to learn." Ms. Pakamon reiterated her belief in providing opportunities for MPs willing to learn and develop themselves.
Regarding Mr. Pawut's observations about inefficiency within committees, Ms. Pakamon acknowledged that individual conscience alone cannot address these issues. Instead, she called for reforms through parliamentary regulations and consultations with the Speaker of the House. She emphasized that criticism should not undermine the efforts of dedicated MPs, and that the problem might represent only a small minority.
When questioned about potential internal conflicts within the party, Ms. Pakamon dismissed such notions, asserting that it is normal for opinions to differ. She affirmed that the People's Party fosters a culture of exchanging views and reaching balanced consensus. She confirmed that there is no conflict between her and Mr. Pawut, as they have frequently consulted each other.
Ms. Pakamon concluded by addressing concerns over the nomination of MPs with relevant expertise to committees. She explained that no party can meet the needs of MPs with expertise in every committee due to parliamentary constraints and the MPs' quota. Nevertheless, the People's Party is striving to allocate MPs to committees aligned with their interests.