Thailand: Asean agreements get go-ahead

Asean agreements get go-ahead

By: Manop Thip-Osod and Mongkol Bangprapa
Published: 28/01/2009 at 06:03 AM
Bangkok Post

A joint sitting of the two houses yesterday endorsed all 20 draft agreements and contracts to be signed at the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next month.

With the passage of the documents, the Democrat-led government then turned its attention to the 115-billionbaht supplementary budget bill, which will be tabled before MPs for debate today and tomorrow.

Jatuporn: Attacks foreign minister

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he hoped the extra budget bill would go through the House smoothly.

Parliament also agreed to set up a 36-member committee to study a draft agreement on human rights issues proposed by opposition chief whip Wittaya Buranasiri. The panel is expected to conclude its study within 15 days.

The administration needed parliamentary approval for the draft framework agreements to be signed during the Asean summit.

The ratification of the Asean-related documents did not go smoothly as the Puea Thai-led opposition and the government traded accusations, forcing co-chairs Parliament President Chai Chidchob and Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej to twice call for a short recess to cool tensions.

The war of words started when Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan, a core member of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship, tried to turn the forum into a censure debate against Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Mr Jatuporn questioned the minister's credibility in representing Thailand at the coming summit, citing his role in the People's Alliance for Democracy street campaigns.

He said Mr Kasit had made rude remarks about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last year when border tension erupted over Preah Vihear temple.

Mr Jatuporn's attack drew angry protests from Democrat MPs who questioned his affiliations with individuals accused of lese majeste.

After 30 minutes of commotion, Mr Chai called for a five-minute recess.

When parliament resumed, Mr Jatuporn continued his attack.

The main target of the opposition for two consecutive days, Mr Kasit defended the remarks about the Cambodian prime minister, saying they were made to protect Thai sovereignty.

His remarks were ‘‘justified'' given the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, Mr Kasit said.

He insisted his appointment as foreign minister was welcomed by the international community.

The afternoon session was less tense until Puea Thai MP for Chiang Mai Surapong Tovichakchaikul called a quorum check as several cabinet ministers and government MPs were not present.

Democrat MP Suvaroch Palang protested, saying MPs were scattered around the parliament and listening to the debate. But the opposition insisted on a quorum check.

This upset Democrat MP Boonyod Sooktinthai who attacked Puea Thai MPs.

Puea Thai's Sunai Chulpongsatorn criticised Senate Speaker Prasopsuk, who was in the chair, for not allowing opposition MPs to defend themselves. He was jeered when making sarcastic remarks about appointed senators.

Mr Sunai and Mr Boonyod exchanged heated comments until Mr Prasopsuk decided to call a 10-minute break.