Bangkok:Tensions in parliament have erupted following an incident involving Speaker Sophon Saram and Rakchanok Srinok, a party-list MP from the People's Party. The dispute arose during a parliamentary session on November 11th, where Speaker Sophon was accused of partiality for not allowing opposition whip Parit Wacharasindhu to comment on the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) participation.
According to Thai News Agency, Rakchanok Srinok explained that her loud speaking was a response to what she perceived as biased behavior by Speaker Sophon. She criticized him for not permitting the opposition to voice their concerns, labeling his actions as a failure of impartiality. Rakchanok highlighted that Speaker Sophon repeatedly silenced opposition MPs while allowing government MPs to speak freely, reflecting a lack of fairness in parliamentary proceedings.
The issue stemmed from a missed opportunity to propose critical agenda items at the AIPA meeting. The People's Party intended to address the transboundary toxic substances issue, involving Chinese mining operations in Myanmar. However, due to the Speaker's failure to convene a necessary committee meeting, the proposal deadline was missed, resulting in a significant loss for Thailand on the regional stage.
Observers noted that Speaker Sophon's actions, whether due to a narrow vision or deliberate obstruction, have prevented the opposition from using international platforms to address national issues. This has sparked criticism over the Speaker's handling of parliamentary duties and his impact on Thailand's opportunities in global forums.