Bangkok: "Chakraphop" reports to MP for the first time, says 'Thaksin' advised him to work for the public good. Chakraphop reported to the parliament for his first term, expressing concern about Thailand's ability to develop at a world-class level. He plans to use the parliamentary platform to convey political realities regarding the draft amnesty bill, stating that Thaksin advised him to act for the common good and that as an MP, he must consider history and not just focus on current and future popularity.
According to Thai News Agency, at 9:30 AM, Mr. Jakrapob Penkhae reported to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives as a Pheu Thai Party list MP, following the announcement in the Royal Gazette that he was moved up the list of MPs to replace Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, who resigned. His spouse, Mr. Supaipol Penkhae, accompanied him.
Mr. Chakraphop stated after reporting for duty that he had previously been appointed a minister by royal decree, but was not as excited as this time to become a Member of Parliament. He emphasized the significance and sanctity of the position. He explained that a Member of Parliament represents both those with and without power, but must represent all people. They must compromise and reconcile opinions on matters of agreement and disagreement in order to work on legislation. Another important duty of an MP is to uphold the rule of law and use the law to ensure the country's well-being. He added that his first priority will be to learn from his many political mentors, and secondly, to understand the needs and aspirations of those within his party. He also expressed concern about the country's global competitiveness, noting that past political conflicts have hindered national development. Therefore, he wants to support and promote mechanisms for national development.
Then, at 10:37 AM, Mr. Jakrapob took the oath of office in the parliamentary session before assuming his duties.
Mr. Chakraphop, in an interview regarding the consideration of the draft Act on Promoting a Peaceful Society, stated that he would use the parliamentary forum to convey to MPs who have never been involved in politics before that politics is not simply about winning or losing. He explained that in political movements, lives, families, loss, separation, death, injury, disability, and in some cases, mental health issues arise after prolonged political struggles. He emphasized the need to understand the anatomy of political struggle, which creates victims of both intentional and unintentional conflict.
'Therefore, I hope that this draft bill, which I believe will pass soon, will be something new, showing that the struggle is not about winning or losing, but about peace. And sometimes, we have to patiently listen to answers that don't entirely align with our desires, but which should allow the country to move forward better. This is what I call a meeting point between personal needs and collective needs. However, this law is not perfect, but it is only a starting point for us to look at each other and think about doing good together,' Mr. Jakrapob said. When asked whether he had sought advice on national development from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra before becoming a Member of Parliament, Mr. Jakrapob said that he had many mentors, but he sought advice from Mr. Thaksin more than others because they were close. Mr. Thaksin advised him to work for the common good, and that if no one thanked him, he shouldn't ask for it, because one day, when people realize their mistakes, they will thank him themse lves. Mr. Thaksin was very concerned that people in the country were so focused on political struggles that they neglected national development. Furthermore, Mr. Thaksin was worried about the weak connection between the rich and the poor, noting that the disparity in economic status made communication difficult.
'Mr. Thaksin also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the people. Being a Member of Parliament doesn't mean pleasing everyone, but if there's a valid reason for doing something, it must be done correctly and ethically. In other words, to be a good MP, one must consider history, not just current or tomorrow's popularity,' Mr. Chakraphap said.