Bangkok: Parliament engaged in a heated debate over 34 draft laws after they were resubmitted by the Cabinet for further consideration.
According to Thai News Agency, the opposition and several senators raised concerns about key legislations, notably the "Draft Constitutional Amendment" and the "PRTR Law." Abhisit Vejjajiva emphasized the importance of respecting referendum outcomes, cautioning that starting anew could spark conflict over contentious issues. He critiqued the government's disregard for laws initiated by civil society, asking whether they had forgotten about village health volunteers and remarking on the inefficacy of their campaign promises post-election.
The initial joint session of Parliament, overseen by Mr. Sophon Saram, President of Parliament, featured an urgent agenda to address pending draft legislation, in line with Section 147, paragraph two, of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, informed Parliament about the necessity to revisit unapproved draft bills. The legislative process was stalled due to the Royal Decree dissolving the House of Representatives on December 12, 2025, and the subsequent Royal Decree reconvening the House from March 14, 2026. Article 147 states that if the newly elected Cabinet requests Parliament to reconsider a draft bill left unapproved due to the dissolution, Parliament may proceed, provided the request is made within 60 days of the new House's first meeting. Following the general election, Cabinet meetings on May 5th and May 12th resolved to seek further review of 34 bills.
Parit Wacharasindhu, a party-list MP from the People's Party, proposed a voting framework for the two bills under debate. He suggested that any bill met with disagreement during the debate should be voted on individually, whereas bills without dissent could be collectively voted on at the debate's conclusion. Mr. Sophon confirmed that preparations for such a process were underway.
Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, representing the Democrat Party, supported reconsidering several draft laws, urging meticulous review by each parliamentary house despite some laws' controversial nature. He expressed concern over the government's stance on the draft constitution, pointing out its attempts to amend the document over the past decade. He criticized the government's decision to ignore the referendum results, warning that it might reignite social conflict.
Mr. Abhisit also highlighted the challenges of initiating draft laws through citizen petitions, particularly the Pollutant Release and Transfer Records Act (PRTR Act). He noted that although the bill was under committee review and widely accepted, the government lacked the openness to advance it. He also questioned the government's urgency in pushing for OECD membership, asserting that the PRTR bill is essential for such a bid.
Additionally, Mr. Abhisit addressed the draft Peacebuilding Act, or the amnesty law, suggesting that political amnesty could quell conflicts, though he criticized the government's reluctance to reconsider a draft law granting amnesty to citizens involved in land disputes. He lamented the government's tendency to dismiss draft laws approved by public referendum or proposed by civil society.
Mr. Abhisit also questioned the legislative neglect of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), noting their crucial role in Thailand's health system amid an aging population. He urged the government to reconsider its approach to legislation and emphasized the importance of representing the people's will.
Ms. Kamontharat Kittisuntornsakul expressed disappointment over the government's failure to reinstate the PRTR Act for parliamentary consideration, despite its readiness for a third reading. She criticized former committee members who had prioritized the bill but failed to support its reintroduction.
Senator Nanthana Nantavaropas questioned the government's resistance to confirming the draft constitutional amendment, citing widespread public support for a new constitution. She argued that the government has not fulfilled its campaign promises, attributing its reluctance to constitutional changes to a desire to maintain control over Thailand's governance.
Senator Ratchaneekorn Thongthip opposed the reconsideration of the Peacebuilding Act, arguing against laws that exempt political groups from punishment, warning of the potential collapse of the rule of law if such exemptions are made.