Members disregarded whip to support the government
After three TST MPs voted in favor of the budget bill’s first reading in 2024 against the resolution of opposition whips, opposition Thai Sang Thai Party ( TST ) secretary-general Thakorn Tanthasit announced his resignation.
Following news that the three MPs supported the 3.48 trillion bass governmental expenses on Friday, Mr. Thakorn, who is also a member of the party’s list, submitted his resignation to Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan on Saturday.
The bill was approved on its first checking with 311 votes in favor, 177 against, and four nays.
Supaporn Salabsri, an MP for Yasothon, Rang Thurapon, a member of Udon Thani’s cabinet, and Adisak Kaeomungkhunsab, another TST member, all cast their votes in favor of the bill.
Khunying Sudarat responded by posting on X,” I must apologize to everyone regarding the three votes against the quality of the party and opposition whips.” The three will be the subject of an urgent investigation by the group’s ethics panel, which will then present the findings to its senior panel.
Mr. Thakorn claimed that he repeatedly emphasized that all TST MPs strictly adhere to the quality of opposition paddles during meetings before the ballot.
” I failed to oversee the group’s Members while serving as secretary-general of the TST.” I must apologize to the criticism leader and whip and accept responsibility by resigning, he said.
The guarantee of increased spending in their parts had been cited by all three MPs as the driving force behind their choice. They argued that casting a ballot should gain the electorate, not only toeing the party line.
In addition to the TST MPs, 146 other members of the opposition Move Forward Party cast no votes on the budget expenses, including Tipa Paweenasatien.
24 of the 25 Democrat Party MPs voted against the budget bill, with Chatree Laprom abstinence from voting.