Barkar Nash (Page 1,120)

House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha on Friday defended his decision to call a vote on whether Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat could be renominated for prime minister.

Mr Wan came under fire from the MFP and the Pheu Thai Party for allowing lawmakers to settle the dispute surrounding Mr Pita’s renomination by a vote instead of making a ruling.

The majority rejected Mr Pita’s renomination on the grounds that parliamentary meeting regulation No.41 prohibited the resubmission of a failed motion during the same parliamentary session unless new circumstances were factored in.

They argued that an earlier motion regarding Mr Pita’s nomination had already been rejected by parliament on July 13, when he failed to get the needed majority of votes in the first round.

Mr Wan said he listened to the MPs and senators discuss the matter for several hours during the July 19 session, and none of them showed there were new circumstances to be considered.

“When there are new circumstances, I can make a ruling. But when no one pointed out how the circumstances had changed, I was unable to do so,” he said.

He said he accepted criticism but insisted that he was doing his job impartially and in accordance with regulations. He also said the MFP had the right to ask the Constitutional Court to rule if the parliament resolution was constitutional if they disagreed.

According to Mr Wan, a letter has been issued calling for a joint meeting of MPs and senators on July 27 to select a new prime minister, while MPs and senator whips would meet on July 26.

Atthajak Sattayanu­rak, a lecturer at Chiang Mai University’s Humanities Faculty, issued an open letter to Mr Wan asking him to address the “flawed” decision he made before the next round of voting for a prime minister.

The academic echoed the views of Borwornsak Uwanno, the former chair of a constitution drafting committee, saying that invoking a parliamentary session regulation undermined the constitution and this must be addressed before setting an “ugly” precedent.

“You must be the one who fixes it by announcing before lawmakers that the vote on July 19 was against the constitution and correct it before the next session,” he said.

Senators press party to leave MFP behind

Even though the Pheu Thai Party is now in charge of forming a government, it will find it hard to secure the support it needs for its PM candidate from senators so long as the Move Forward Party (MFP) remains its coalition ally.

The MFP on Friday announced its decision to step aside and let Pheu Thai have a go at forming a government, even though it remains in the eight-party coalition.

But the senators have insisted that the new government must not support any move to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law — one of the MFP’s flagship policies.

In light of this, Pheu Thai will have to tread carefully to ensure its prime ministerial candidate will land the job with the support from senators in the next round of a PM vote next Thursday.

If a PM candidate from Pheu Thai fails to win the post because the MFP is still part of the coalition, it remains to be seen whether Pheu Thai will exclude the MFP from the coalition if it wants to form a new government successfully, according to observers.

Speaking after a meeting of the eight coalition allies at Pheu Thai’s headquarters on Friday, Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew said the eight parties concluded that they will seek support from the Senate and other political parties outside the eight-party bloc in order to secure enough votes to back Pheu Thai’s PM candidate in the joint parliamentary session next Thursday.

The eight parties will also discuss the conditions laid down by the senators in exchange for their support, Dr Cholnan said.

But if the eight parties fail to gather sufficient support from senators, Pheu Thai will have the freedom to hold talks with parties outside the bloc to seek their backing, Dr Cholnan said.

“Attendees at the meeting also agreed that if the two approaches mentioned before do not work, Pheu Thai will decide what to do next,” he said.

Asked if the MFP had been asked to back down from its plan to amend Section 112, Dr Cholnan said that the issue was raised at the meeting.

MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon said the MFP wanted to consider the conditions laid down by the senators and that Pheu Thai will hold talks with senators to allay their concerns.

Dr Cholnan also said that several parties outside the eight-party bloc have insisted they will not support a PM candidate from Pheu Thai if the MFP remains in the bloc. Therefore, the meeting decided to give Pheu Thai the right to hold talks with them, he said.

Dr Cholnan added Pheu Thai will nominate only one PM candidate for the vote, and the party is expected to announce who will be the candidate next Wednesday. So far, Pheu Thai has named three PM candidates — Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Chaikasem Nitisiri.

Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, a list-MP and leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, on Friday said the MFP should make sacrifices by leaving Section 112 alone so a new government can be formed. Seri Ruam Thai is a member of the prospective eight-party coalition.

Senator Somchai Swangkarn on Friday on Facebook congratulated Pheu Thai on its chance to form a government.

He also urged Pheu Thai to give assurances that its PM candidate meets all the qualification requirements and to ensure that all coalition parties in the new government have no policies to support any move to amend Section 112 or to rewrite the constitution in a way that threatens the country’s institutions.

Mr Somchai also wrote that the new government must not issue an amnesty for those convicted under Section 112 and those who committed severe criminal offences, and it must handle the unrest in the deep South without supporting any move to seek the separation of the region from the country.

“If Pheu Thai still cannot reach a conclusion [among its coalition allies], it can ask the parliament president to postpone the session scheduled for July 27 so that everyone involved can think carefully before parliament can finally vote on the country’s 30th prime minister,” Mr Somchai said.

Earlier on Friday, the MFP announced its decision to step back and allow Pheu Thai Party to take charge of forming a government.

With Mr Pita having been blocked twice from being selected, the MFP has now decided to give Pheu Thai the opportunity, Mr Chaithawat said.

In the next parliament meeting on July 27 to select the prime minister, the MFP would nominate a candidate from Pheu Thai for the position, while Pheu Thai could also nominate a candidate of their choice, he said.

Meanwhile, Pornchai Theppanya, an independent academic, on Friday petitioned the Ombudsman to ask the Constitutional Court to rule on whether the parliament’s resolution to reject Mr Pita’s renomination for prime minister was constitutional.

Four political parties have announced they will not join a Pheu Thai-led coalition as long as the Move Forward Party (MFP) remains in it.

Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana made their stance clear after Pheu Thai took the lead in forming the coalition.

Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said his party stands firm against any attempt to amend Section 112, the lese majeste law, and it will not work with a political party advocating changes to that law.

The party has not been approached by Pheu Thai to join the coalition yet, so it does not know Pheu Thai’s plan, he said, adding it will definitely not take part in it if the MFP remains in the alliance.

“The MFP is the only party that seeks to amend the law and doesn’t appear to be backing down. The party heavyweights, the Progressive Movement and their supporters are adamant on pushing this policy through despite objections, although it is causing divisiveness,” he said.

UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga wrote on his Facebook that the party will not join the coalition or vote in favour of a prime ministerial candidate in the coalition if the MFP is still in it.

He said the UTN realises the country needs a government, but it also places emphasis on the three key pillars of the nation. The party cannot endorse MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat because it does not believe his party shares those same principles, he added.

“In the next round of voting for the prime minister, if the MFP remains in the coalition, the party will not vote for a candidate of this bloc. Based on the MFP’s political activities, we don’t believe it can change its political path and ideology,” he wrote.

PPRP MP for Kamphaeng Phet, Phai Lik, who spoke on behalf of his party, said the PPRP is against any attempt to amend the lese majeste law and will also not take part in a coalition that includes the MFP.

Chartthaipattana leader Varawut Silpa-archa said his party is willing to vote for the Pheu Thai candidate as long as it does not work with a party that supports amending the lese majeste law.

RAYONG: Local authorities on Friday sped up helping those badly affected by flash floods in several parts of Nikhom Phatthana district in this eastern province after continuous heavy rain since Thursday night.

Rescue workers tried to evacuate locals from inundated areas to safer ground.

Heavy downpours had battered Rayong since Thursday night, with Nikhom Phatthana reported to have suffered the worst damage, with roads blocked by floods and cars submerged.

The situation was handled by Nikhom Phatthana Police, Nikhom Phatthana Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO), Siam Ruam Jai Rescue Foundation and the Siam Rayong Rescue Foundation.

Staff have been evacuating residents and their property as weather forecasts predict that precipitation will increase soon, according to local officials.

Prasong Leklong, chief of Nikhom Phatthana TAO, said that backhoe loaders would be brought in to dig temporary channels to drain flood water from roads where over 60-70cm floods are blocking traffic.

Rayong governor Traipob Wongtrairat has ordered people to move their assets to top floors and be alert for flash floods.

Mr Traipob said on Friday that the rainwater precipitation was at 2.06 metres as of 11am on Friday, while the bank can handle a 2.5-metre water level.

“Initially, I have ordered related agencies to check water levels and assign district and village chiefs to prepare for evacuation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) reported on Friday that the Mekong River level has risen, and the Mekong Hydrological Cycle Observation Stations in Chiang Rai, Loei, Nong Khai, and Ubon Ratchathani will see water levels increasing this week.

According to forecasting by One Map, the ONWR said that three southern provinces — Krabi, Chumphon and Surat Thani — will likely see floods by the end of this month.

The ONWR also reported that the South of the country is likely to see floods until the end of this year and recommended that people pay heed to regular updates.

RAYONG: Local authorities yesterday sped up helping those badly affected by flash floods in several parts of Nikhom Phatthana district in this eastern province after continuous heavy rain since Thursday night.

Rescue workers tried to evacuate locals from inundated areas to safer ground.

Heavy downpours had battered Rayong since Thursday night, with Nikhom Phatthana reported to have suffered the worst damage, with roads blocked by floods and cars submerged.

The situation was handled by Nikhom Phatthana Police, Nikhom Phatthana Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO), Siam Ruam Jai Rescue Foundation and the Siam Rayong Rescue Foundation.

Staff have been evacuating residents and their property as weather forecasts predict that precipitation will increase soon, according to local officials.

Prasong Leklong, chief of Nikhom Phatthana TAO, said that backhoe loaders would be brought in to dig temporary channels to drain flood water from roads where over 60-70cm floods are blocking traffic.

Rayong governor Traipob Wongtrairat has ordered people to move their assets to top floors and be alert for flash floods.

Mr Traipob said yesterday that the rainwater precipitation was at 2.06 metres as of 11am on Friday, while the bank can handle a 2.5-metre water level.

“Initially, I have ordered related agencies to check water levels and assign district and village chiefs to prepare for evacuation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) reported on Friday that the Mekong River level has risen, and the Mekong Hydrological Cycle Observation Stations in Chiang Rai, Loei, Nong Khai, and Ubon Ratchathani will see water levels increasing this week.

According to forecasting by One Map, the ONWR said that three southern provinces — Krabi, Chumphon and Surat Thani — will likely see floods by the end of this month.

The ONWR also reported that the South of the country is likely to see floods until the end of this year and recommended that people pay heed to regular updates.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has pressed charges against two former executives of scandal-hit Stark Corporation for breaching the Securities and Exchange Act, DSI spokeswoman Pichaya Tarakornsanti said on Friday.

The pair were later identified as former chief financial officer Sathar Chantrasettalead and his secretary Yosboworn Amarit.

The DSI has accepted the case as a special case for a month, after the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed charges with the DSI, accusing Stark Corp and nine others, including the firm’s largest shareholder Vonnarat Tangkaravakoon, of financial misconduct.

Ms Pichaya said the DSI also issued a summons to Mr Vonnarat to acknowledge the charge, but he asked to postpone meeting DSI investigators, claiming he was sick. He submitted a medical certificate as evidence.

In addition, the DSI asked Interpol to issue a red notice for Stark Corp’s former chairman Chanin Yensudchai — who is accused of financial misconduct — after he failed to report to the DSI to acknowledge charges concerning irregularities in Stark’s financial statements.

The DSI also asked the Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke the passport of Mr Chanin in accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s regulations.

Investigators submitted a letter to the Land Office, asking it to confiscate two land plots and a house for investigation, she said.

The DSI has also questioned related individuals from Stark Corporation, Phelps Dodge International and Thai Cable International and is also currently checking the transaction routes associated with the case.

Ms Pichaya said DSI director-general Suriya Singhamongkol also urged his DSI investigators to speed up the transaction investigation and gather evidence to take legal action against the alleged wrongdoers.

Activists at Kasetsart University fly ‘Respect My Vote’ banner, say street protests could follow

Student activists and supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP) rallied at Kasetsart University in Bang Khen district of Bangkok on Friday evening to protest against the role appointed senators have been playing in the country’s protracted political drama.

A student group calling itself the New Sunrise Party organised the rally under the slogan “Join hands to eradicate evil-hearted senators”.

People began converging on the area around the university auditorium at 4.30pm to express their anger with the senators who voted overwhelmingly against against Move Forward leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat in two recent parliamentary sessions.

A black flag with the message “Respect My Vote” was raised and demonstrators flashed three-finger signalling their opposition to the military-appointed senators who get to vote for the prime ministers.

Pro-democracy activist Patsaravalee “Mind”Tanakitvibulpon, Somyos Preusakasemsuk and human rights lawyer Anon Nampa were among the speakers.

Rally participants said they strongly opposed the senators’ votes that went against the wishes of the people. If the third vote for prime minister on July 27 also turns out to be unsatisfactory, they said, they would hold street rallies.

Mr Pita failed in his initial bid on July 13 to become the country’s 30th prime minister, after he was unable to secure the required endorsement of more than half of the members of parliament.

On Wednesday, the joint House and Senate sitting voted to reject the renomination of the MFP leader, citing a parliamentary regulation that prohibited it. Constitutional scholars said their interpretation of the rules was a major mistake and unconstitutional.

Security officers were keeping a close watch on the gathering as it was the first held inside a university since the Constitutional Court suspended Mr Pita as an MP on Wednesday.

Three years ago, Kasetsart University was the site of one of the first demonstrations against the military-backed Prayut Chan-o-cha government, which evolved into a large student movement challenging some of the pillars of the establishment.

More rallies calling for senators and others to respect the people’s will are scheduled for Sunday, according to the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration and the Thalugaz Group.

A “Respect My Vote” banner flutters on a flagpole at Kasetsart University. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa takes the stage at the Kasetsart University rally venue on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Government spokesperson also debunks ‘fake news’ reports that most funds for state projects have been used up

The central budget for emergencies remains adequately stocked for the next government, deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday.

Ms Rachada was addressing what she described as “fake news” reports, adding that the current fiscal budget is capable of meeting the cuntry’s needs.

She said the government has a central budget for emergencies specifically to ease the consequences of natural disasters, public hazards or urgent state missions.

In fiscal 2023, which ends on Sept 30, the budget was set at 92.4 billion baht. Ms Rachada said the leftover amount is enough to cover any emergencies over the next two months.

On July 16, the Ministry of Finance reported that the emergency budget for fiscal 2024 had been approved by the cabinet, at a value in excess of 50 billion baht.

The funds will be spent to help flood victims who suffered last year and to subsidise electricity bills for households, according to the ministry.

Ms Rachada also clarified that Section 28 of the State Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act allows the government to fund state projects at 35% of the government’s annual total expenditure.

On June 30, rumours began circulating that the government had funded state projects at 33.5% of its annual total expenditure, leaving just 18 billion baht.

Ms Rachada said the fund for state projects is stipulated in Section 28 of the State Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act, which is separate from the central budget for emergencies.

“The two separate state funds will not affect the government’s mission since the 2023 fiscal budget is worth 3.1 trillion baht and can subsidise state activities to mobilise the country’s economy and welfare,” she said.

She said both the caretaker and incoming governments can reimburse any expenses from the central budget for emergencies such as natural disasters.

Her address followed media reports on Wednesday that claimed the government led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha had used up most of its budget according to Section 28.

This allows a new government to order state-owned financial institutions such as the Government Savings Bank to fund the government’s projects in advance, with the government reimbursing them later.

Ekamai venue one of about 15 branches of Chinese-owned business in five countries

Police have closed an illegal aesthetician clinic in the Ekamai area of Bangkok after receiving a report on Thursday from the Department of Health Service Support about an unauthorised operation.

The CCoco Beauty Clinic was managed by Chinese entrepreneurs, said Pol Maj Gen Anan Nanasombat, the commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD). It had been open for nine months and was one of at least 15 CCoco branches in China, Japan, the UK and Australia.

The clinic targeted mostly foreign clients and advertised its services mainly by using influencer reviews, said Pol Maj Gen Anan.

The clinic employed a Myanmar national identified as El Mon (surname withheld) as an aesthetician, She claimed to be a doctor and carried out medical procedures, including diagnosis and vitamin injections, for clients, according to investigators.

Ms El Mon told police that she graduated from a medical school in Myanmar. She had worked at the clinic for a month after receiving an offer from a recruiter and was paid 2,000 baht per procedure.

She was accused of working illegally in Thailand and conducting unauthorised medical procedures after it was found she did not have a Thai medical licence. She was registered as the clinic’s general manager.

Police seized medical equipment, unregistered drugs and 12 medical devices, as well as 16 packages of cosmetics, worth about 5 million baht in total.

More charges against the business owners, who were said to be all foreigners, could be brought after police gather more evidence.