Bangkok: The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is contemplating a major legislative proposal aimed at reforming the current system for removing independent organizations from office.
According to Thai News Agency, the Questioning Section of the Meeting Division at the Secretariat of the House of Representatives has opened the floor for Members of Parliament to submit inquiries and motions for inclusion in the parliamentary agenda. This initiative also allows for the publication of questions and responses in the Royal Gazette. Members from several political parties have participated by submitting their queries in person, while some have sent their assistants to do so.
Later, at 10:00 AM, Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu, a party-list MP and spokesperson for the People's Party, along with other MPs from the party, held a press conference. They announced the submission of the first set of motions and legislative proposals to the House of Representatives. Mr. Parit revealed that the People's Party has put forward nine sets of motions and nine legislative proposals. These motions cover urgent and general issues such as: establishing special committees for addressing the energy crisis, monitoring agricultural product prices, and providing relief for natural disaster-affected areas. Additional proposals include investigating large-scale construction projects, monitoring legal reforms, and reforming the civil service system.
Mr. Parit emphasized the party's intention to introduce nine legislative initiatives in parliament. These include economic fairness laws like the Social Security Act and the Labor Protection Act, aimed at promoting transparency and adjusting minimum wage calculations. Anti-corruption legislation, such as the Information Disclosure Act, and decentralization measures, including restructuring the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, are also on the agenda.
Furthermore, Mr. Parit discussed the introduction of a draft Energy Business Act to liberalize the electricity market, a Climate Change Act, and a suite of laws to protect rights and freedoms. The People's Party plans to propose amendments to various legal codes to combat Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) and ensure accountability in political and military spheres. Political reform efforts include proposing mechanisms for removing office holders to prevent collusion between the government and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) through constitutional amendments.
When questioned about possible opposition coordination, Mr. Parit acknowledged informal discussions and anticipated clarity on the prime ministerial vote by March 19th. He indicated that opposition parties would aim to formalize their strategies once the stance on Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as prime minister becomes clear. A meeting with opposition representatives is planned for the following week.
Regarding constitutional amendments post-referendum, Mr. Parit stressed the collective responsibility of parliament members, including the Senate. The next steps involve amending specific articles, pending Cabinet clarification on the approval of draft amendments from the People's Party and the Bhumjaithai Party. Mr. Parit reaffirmed the People's Party's commitment to public participation and preventing any single political group's monopoly over the drafting process, irrespective of the Cabinet's decision.