Bhumjaithai Denies Senate Selection Rigging Claims
Anutin Charnvirakul and Thongsak Thongsri insist the government has no ties to the disputed Senate selection process as the opposition prepares a no-confidence motion.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Anutin stresses the government and Senate operate as separate branches
- Thongsak dismisses local photo requests as standard political interaction
- Bhumjaithai affirms readiness to face parliamentary scrutiny
On August 20, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed statements made by People's Party leader and opposition leader Natthpong Ruangpanyawut, who confirmed that the alleged rigging of the Senate selection process will form part of the upcoming no-confidence debate against the cabinet. Anutin firmly stated that the current administration bears no connection whatsoever to the upper house, emphasizing that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches function independently without encroaching upon one another's constitutional duties.
Anutin added that allegations regarding rigged Senate selections stem from intentions to discredit the system, noting that while any such rigging would be deplorable, it falls completely outside the administration's mandate. He maintained that cabinet members are prepared to answer legitimate questions regarding executive duties, while portfolio-specific matters—such as digital economy initiatives or economic budgets—will be addressed by the responsible ministers.
"คำว่าฮั้วเลือกส.ว. เป็นเจตนารมณ์ของผู้ที่ต้องการจะกล่าวให้ร้ายกระบวนการนี้ มองว่าถ้ามีการฮั้วเลือกส.ว. จริง เป็นสิ่งที่น่ารังเกียจ ไม่ได้เกี่ยวข้องรัฐบาลเข้ามาจากการเลือกตั้งของประชาชน ไม่เคยมีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องใดๆ"
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Thongsak Thongsri viewed the upcoming opposition motion as a standard and normal part of parliamentary oversight, affirming that the government welcomes lawful examination of its executive performance. He noted that whether matters concerning the Senate can be included in the debate rests entirely on the discretion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives when reviewing the motion's validity.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The constitutional separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches forms a core foundation of parliamentary democracy, preventing institutional overreach. When opposition parties attempt to incorporate matters outside executive jurisdiction into censure debates, the Speaker of the House faces the critical legal task of vetting motions to ensure compliance with parliamentary regulations and constitutional limits.
Addressing claims by opposition MP Parit Wacharasindhu linking him to local politician Wittaya Khamphuang in Nong Khai province regarding the Senate controversy, Thongsak laughed off the allegations. Having served as an MP since 1992, he explained that frequent interactions and photo opportunities with local figures during official inspections and regional development duties are entirely routine, while categorically denying any involvement in unlawful activities.
Source: Matichon Politics
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