Bangkok: Senators gathered to demand an apology from Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, in response to his controversial remarks regarding the "Blue Shirt" senators issue. The assembly of 89 senators expressed anger over Nattapong's social media post commemorating "12 years since the coup," which they claim incites unrest and undermines the credibility of the Senate. The senators have given Nattapong three days to apologize, threatening legal action if their demand is not met, though they assert that the incident will not impact the vote on the constitutional amendment bill.
According to Thai News Agency, the group of senators, led by Senator Pisit Apiwatanapong, refuted the accusations made by Nattapong, who is also the leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives. Nattapong's message suggested that Thai politics is influenced by a "blue regime" linked to the 2017 constitution, a legacy of the coup. He accused the Senate of failing to uphold democracy and using its power to enable corruption and hinder scrutiny. Furthermore, Nattapong alleged that those challenging this power face obstruction by the Constitutional Court and other judicial entities.
The senators clarified that Nattapong's claims are false, stating that the 2014 coup is unrelated to the current Senate. They emphasized that the nation has returned to normalcy since the promulgation of the 2017 Constitution and that three general elections have occurred under its framework. They highlighted that Nattapong's own political parties have participated in these elections, suggesting broad acceptance of the constitution, which was approved by a public referendum.
The senators also addressed the self-selection process for the current 23rd Senate, acknowledging some irregularities but asserting compliance with constitutional and legal standards. They defended their track record of serving the Thai people impartially and denied any involvement in the alleged abuses described by Nattapong.
The Senate demanded that Nattapong clarify his reference to the "blue regime" and the entities it implicates. They insisted on political transparency and warned against rhetoric that could damage the Senate and related institutions. The senators reiterated their independence from any political command, asserting that they operate within constitutional and legal confines.
In their statement, the senators expressed disappointment over Nattapong's allegations, viewing them as deliberate attempts to erode public confidence in the Senate. They warned of potential legal actions if he fails to apologize within the specified timeframe. Senator Pisit emphasized the potential reputational damage caused by unsubstantiated claims, drawing attention to defamation laws.
The senators reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the constitution and act in the nation's best interest. They called for a focus on the collective well-being rather than divisive rhetoric. In addressing future legislative processes, they expressed readiness to evaluate constitutional drafts and prioritize the public's interests, highlighting the importance of the upcoming referendums.