Bangkok: Senator Wuttichat Kalyanamit has firmly denied any allegations that he or the Senate intends to reject the Clean Air Act bill. He emphasized the importance of establishing a joint committee from both houses of parliament to address differing opinions on the bill, underlining the need to listen to all viewpoints and provide businesses with adequate time to adapt.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Wuttichat, who chairs the Senate's ad hoc committee reviewing the Clean Air Act draft, made these statements following the Cabinet's decision to return the draft to Parliament. A meeting is planned with the whips of all three parties to confirm the draft, aligning with the Cabinet's decision, which he believes underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the fundamental right of citizens to clean air.
Senator Wuttichat stressed that the process must adhere to established procedures and that the matter would be addressed promptly. Today's Senate whip meeting will discuss whether to proceed with the bill as previously outlined by the original committee. He refuted rumors of the Senate rejecting the bill and highlighted the necessity of considering all stakeholders, both those benefiting and those potentially disadvantaged by the bill. He affirmed that the bill serves the public interest, making the rumors of rejection unfounded.
He acknowledged that the House of Representatives' draft includes some points of contention with the Senate, suggesting the possibility of forming a joint committee to resolve these issues swiftly, given that many articles have already been reviewed. Despite concerns about alignment with the committee's objectives, he noted that the committee includes civil society representatives, indicating that the Senate's stance aligns with public sentiment.
Senator Wuttichat elaborated on the need for a balanced approach, advocating for a consistent and appropriate adaptation period for businesses to adjust without harming the industrial sector. He stated that gradual reductions in emissions are necessary, with penalties for non-compliance, ranging from fines to potential business closures.
Addressing allegations of favoritism towards capitalists, Senator Wuttichat dismissed these claims, asserting that decisions were made based on reason and facts. He emphasized the dual necessity of considering both the public's right to clean air and the fair treatment of businesses. He acknowledged the need for adjustments and pledged that the issue would not be allowed to persist. He outlined a timeline of 6 months to 1 year for relevant agencies to inspect compliance with established standards and regulations.