Bangkok: The opposition's attempt to defer a motion addressing the low prices of agricultural products met with resistance from the government, leading to a brief suspension of the House of Representatives meeting to allow further deliberations. The session, chaired by Speaker Sophon Saram, saw the motion on climate change moved forward instead.
According to Thai News Agency, Piyarat Jongthep, a party-list MP from the People's Party, initially proposed the postponement of agenda item 5.12, a motion aimed at establishing a special committee to study and resolve the issue of low agricultural product prices and the plight of farmers affected by the Middle East conflict. This motion, put forth by Lau Fang Bandiththodsakul, also from the People's Party, was suggested to be considered after motion number 1. The proposal received full support from the assembly members, reflecting the urgency of addressing agricultural pricing issues.
However, Romtham Khamnurak, a government whip from the Bhumjaithai Party, contested the postponement, arguing that the opposition's proposal had not been officially discussed. He suggested prioritizing discussions on climate change and Net Zero initiatives, which he believed did not necessitate a special committee and could avoid duplication of efforts. This stance prompted a response from Chaichana Dechdecho of the Democrat Party, who questioned the decision to delay discussions on agricultural pricing given the significant challenges faced by farmers.
As the debate continued, government MPs insisted on adhering to the agenda, proposing that the agricultural pricing motion be considered subsequent to Romtham's proposal. Despite calls to withdraw Piyarat's motion, he remained firm on addressing agricultural concerns first. The impasse led Speaker Sophon to order a brief recess for whips from both sides to negotiate a resolution.
Reporters later noted that following the break, government whip representative Thanayot Timsuwan, from the Bhumjaithai Party, announced an agreement to shift the discussion on low agricultural product prices to follow the motion on climate change management guidelines.