Bangkok: Asapol has put forward a proposal to amend the Constitution and related laws to enhance transparency within the parliamentary system by implementing measures such as cutting salaries for MPs who miss meetings and reducing food budgets for self-catering.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Asaphon Santhraiphop, a member of parliament for Sisaket Province and a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, expressed his views on his personal Facebook page. He emphasized the need for stricter MP discipline and suggested that if the constitution is to be amended, corresponding amendments should be made to subsidiary laws. He highlighted the importance of aligning parliamentary standards with those of general employees, using meeting attendance statistics as a basis.
Mr. Asaphon proposed that any MP who is absent, on leave, or late to a council meeting should face a deduction from their actual salary, similar to the standards applied to civil servants. Additionally, he advocated waiving the “MP food budget” on meeting days, suggesting that MPs should purchase their own food as they already receive sufficient salary and benefits. He believes that fostering a transparent parliament begins with ensuring the discipline of all representatives.