Thai Parliament 2025: Southern Motion Debate Sparks Chaos
Thai parliament descended into chaos on Sept 3, 2025, as deputy speaker Mallika clashed with opposition MPs over southern insurgency motions.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Thai parliament erupted in chaos on Sept 3, 2025, during a heated debate over southern border issues.
- The House voted 266 to 108 to prioritize an urgent motion regarding the southern insurgency.
- MP Rangsiman Rome clashed with Deputy Speaker Mallika, refusing to apologize and cutting ties.
The Thai House of Representatives descended into chaos on September 3, 2025, following a 30-minute recess chaired by Ms. Mallika Jiraphanvanich, the First Deputy Speaker of the House. Tensions flared prior to the voting process as lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on which motion should be prioritized. Mr. Akaradej Wongpitakroj, an MP for Ratchaburi province from the Bhumjaithai Party, urged the chair to immediately call for a vote to put an end to the ongoing arguments.
Ultimately, the assembly voted 266 to 108, with 33 abstentions and 2 non-votes, to prioritize an urgent verbal motion regarding the security crisis in Thailand's southern border provinces. However, turbulence persisted immediately after the vote. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, a list MP and leader of the Democrat Party, pressed the floor to introduce his previously submitted motion on the southern unrest, demanding that the Prime Minister address parliament directly. Meanwhile, Mr. Korrawit Pisasananukorn, an MP for Ang Thong and chief government whip, argued that the Defense Minister and relevant agencies should respond instead. Ms. Mallika ruled that Mr. Abhisit's motion constituted a duplicated motion and could not be included, triggering a prolonged and contentious debate.
The situation escalated further when another MP stood up to challenge the chair's conduct, asserting that Ms. Mallika was expressing improper opinions and obstructing procedural rules. Ms. Mallika countered that the opposing lawmaker had already expressed an intention to withdraw the motion earlier, despite attached conditions. Rangsiman Rome, a list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, then took the floor to heavily criticize the deputy speaker, accusing her of dragging out the drama and wasting time, while urging her to halt such behavior.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"You have the right to sue me, and don't call me your younger brother. With this kind of behavior, I am cutting ties with you."
Mr. Rome's remarks prompted an immediate rebuttal from Ms. Mallika, who stated that she had been defamed and was merely trying to keep the session moving smoothly. Mr. Rome, however, firmly refused to apologize, maintaining that he spoke the truth.
This chaotic parliamentary session highlights the deep procedural vulnerabilities and political friction surrounding sensitive national security debates in Thailand. Clashes between opposition lawmakers and the steering chair expose the challenges of maintaining neutrality and order under intense political pressure, raising critical questions about parliamentary standards and governance integrity in the Thai legislative system.
Amidst the ongoing uproar, Mr. Thanayos Timsuwan, an MP for Loei from the Bhumjaithai Party, formally protested the lack of order, noting that disrespectful language had been directed at the chair without any disciplinary ruling. Ms. Mallika responded that she chose to let the matter slide as she bore no ill will. Mr. Thanayos countered that the chair must maintain professional standards to prevent future disruptions. Mr. Rome stood firm on his refusal to retract his statements, leaving the parliamentary session locked in dispute.
Source: Matichon Politics
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