Bangkok: Chaos erupted in the parliament as the controversial term "Kiki" caused a heated dispute, prompting Deputy Speaker Pharadon Prisananantakul to enforce order by instructing members to adhere to parliamentary regulations. The uproar began when an MP alleged that the chairman had silenced his microphone. In response, Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, suggested using Google to clarify the meaning of the term.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident unfolded during a session where Mr. Kanwee Sipsang, an MP for the Seri Tham Party, engaged in a Q and A regarding the Uighurs with Mr. Phumtham. Tensions escalated when Mr. Nont Paisal Limcharoenkit, MP for the Prachachon Party, objected to Mr. Phumtham's remarks, accusing him of using sarcasm. Mr. Phradon, serving as the chairman of the meeting, acknowledged that both sides had resorted to sarcastic language, urging the minister to exercise caution.
Mr. Phumtham defended himself, stating he had never used "Kiki" in a derogatory manner towards women, contrary to opposition claims. The session saw further discord as Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, requested a withdrawal of the statement identifying him as the opposition leader, which Mr. Phumtham promptly corrected.
Amidst the turmoil, Mr. Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, an MP for the Prachachon Party, invoked regulation 69 to protest Mr. Phumtham's alleged sarcasm, but his microphone was abruptly turned off by the chairman, leading to further protests. Mr. Chutipong Pipoppinyo, another Rayong MP of the Prachachon Party, challenged the chairman's neutrality, seeking clarity on the word's meaning.
Mr. Pakornwut attempted to clarify that "Kiki" was not vulgar, prompting Mr. Phumtham to urge a Google search to verify its meaning. His remarks were met with laughter from Mr. Phumtham and the Prime Minister. Ultimately, Mr. Phumtham retracted his statement, leading to an additional protest from Mr. Ekkarat Udom-Amnuay of the Prachachon Party, who accused the minister of employing deceptive tactics.
The session devolved into an ongoing debate over the word "Kiki," creating a chaotic atmosphere filled with protests and interruptions. Mr. Paradorn eventually silenced the microphones and instructed members to sit down, emphasizing that the public wished to follow the Prime Minister's debate rather than witness disruptive exchanges.