Bangkok: “Natthaphong” argues with the “President of the House”, pointing out that he has no authority to amend the content of the motion. Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party and the opposition in the House of Representatives, has written an urgent letter to Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nattapong’s letter addresses objections to amending a motion intended to open a general debate for a vote of no confidence in the government, specifically concerning the inclusion of former Prime Minister Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra’s name in the motion.
According to Thai News Agency, Nattapong insists that the Speaker of the House has no authority to alter the motion’s content, as his role is limited to examining formal and factual defects. He emphasizes that the House of Representatives Meeting Regulations of 2019, specifically Section 176, do not allow the Speaker to exercise discretion over the motion’s content. Nattapong argues that the Speaker’s role is merely to ensure that the motion complies with procedural requirements, and any perceived defects should be purely factual or formal, such as incorrect signatures or incomplete proposer lists.
Nattapong further asserts that the regulations do not prohibit mentioning external individuals in motions. He points to past motions, such as one submitted by Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha in 2019, which included names of entities like Charoen Pokphand Holding Company Limited, to argue that mentioning outsiders is permissible. Nattapong contends that the regulations only require members to be accountable for any potential damage caused to outsiders mentioned in debates.
Furthermore, Nattapong highlights that the notification of alleged deficiencies in his motion was issued late. The House of Representatives received the motion on February 27, 2025, but informed Nattapong of defects on March 7, 2025, exceeding the seven-day notification period stipulated by the 2019 regulations. Nattapong argues that the delay renders the notice of deficiencies procedurally non-compliant.
In conclusion, Nattapong and his group maintain that their motion adheres to all relevant regulations and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. They urge the President of the House to expedite the inclusion of their motion in the House agenda to facilitate a general debate.
