Deputy PM Defends Local Ties, Denies Senate Takeover Link
Deputy PM Songsak Thongsri dismissed allegations linking him to a Senate takeover plot, saying his local connections stem from decades of government work and public service, not any conspiracy.
At 12:50 p.m. on August 20 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri responded to the opposition's plans to file a no-confidence motion, calling it normal parliamentary work. He said the government welcomes scrutiny of government affairs and is ready to be inspected on matters within the cabinet's responsibility.
When asked whether a Senate-related debate would concern the government, Songsak explained that the government comes from House of Representatives votes, and the Constitution does not show the Senate forming the government. Therefore, a no-confidence debate should focus on the Prime Minister and cabinet, while Senate matters would be for the Senate's judgment, particularly the Senate President's role in vetting the motion.
Regarding allegations by Preesat Wachrasindhu, a Pheu Thai list MP, that Withaya Kampuang, subdistrict mayor of Ponsah in Nong Khai, is linked to him and connected to a Senate takeover plot, Songsak laughed. He recalled attending a royal cremation the day before, where many people asked for photos with him. "Some I recognize, some I hardly know. If someone asks for a photo, I can't refuse," he said.
Songsak added that as former Interior Ministry official, he worked closely with local governments and developed local projects. "Of course I know local officials. I've been an MP since 1992, not just recently. People will naturally know me. I don't deny knowing many people, but I won't do anything illegal," he stated. He firmly denied any involvement in a Senate takeover scheme, saying such arrangements have their own legal framework separate from him.
