Bangkok: In a heated session of the House of Representatives, Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, confronted the Prime Minister over her comments on tax payments. He argued that the importance lies not in the amount of taxes paid but in the fairness of the system and criticized the practice of finding loopholes to avoid taxes.

According to Thai News Agency, the session was chaired by Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, the second deputy speaker of the House. The agenda included a motion of no confidence in the government following Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s explanation of tax payment issues discussed earlier by Mr. Wiroj.

Mr. Wiroj took the floor with a serious demeanor, asserting that while the Prime Minister may pay more taxes than others, it is the duty of all citizens to pay taxes as prescribed by law, regardless of the amount. He emphasized that everyone has equal dignity under Section 50 (9) of the Constitution.

The debate prompted Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Chiang Mai MP and Deputy Minister of Finance, to protest, urging Mr. Paradorn to maintain the focus of the session and not allow the motion to become a subject of individual disputes. He clarified that the Prime Minister’s comments were not related to any personal allusion to Mr. Wiroj.

Mr. Phradon, overseeing the session, requested Mr. Wiroj to be concise in his points. Mr. Wiroj reiterated his stance that the critical issue is not the sum of taxes paid but ensuring that all citizens contribute fairly as per legal requirements. He criticized the practice of tax avoidance as disgraceful.

In conclusion, Mr. Phradon clarified that the discussion did not constitute an allusion, as the Prime Minister’s remarks did not single out Mr. Wiroj or cause him harm. Consequently, he declared the debate by Mr. Wiroj concluded.