MPs Trade Insults in House Committee Over Procedural Rules
A parliamentary committee meeting on procedural rules for 35 House committees turned acrimonious when Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai MPs clashed over an urgent motion and speaking time. Deputy Speaker Mallika Jirapantavanich defended the Speaker's support for committee autonomy, while MPs traded sharp remarks, including a personal insult. The session highlighted tensions over parliamentary procedure and party rivalries in the House of Representatives.
The House Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights erupted in a heated debate over procedural guidelines for 35 House committees. The meeting convened at 1:00 PM on November 12, 2026, at Parliament, chaired by Rangsiman Rome, a People's Party list MP. The agenda concerned the legal status of the House General Committee's operational guidelines.
Attendees included House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Secretary-General Siroch Phayaphan, Deputy Secretary-General Priyaporn Kaewyon, directors of the three Committee Secretariats, and chairs of all 35 committees. Speaker Wan assigned Deputy Speaker Mallika Jirapantavanich to present on his behalf.
Mallika outlined the overall framework for committee operations, assuring members that the Speaker and both Deputy Speakers fully support committee work without intent to diminish authority or obstruct proceedings. She emphasized that committee operations must comply with the Constitution, regulations, and relevant rules — a key factor in directing the Secretariat's legal division to study proper procedures. Mallika noted she would stay for the full discussion but had to leave by 3:00 PM for another duty. She added that any suggestions to improve procedures in line with the law would be welcomed after today's session.
A Bhumjaithai MP then raised an urgent motion by Suphan Buri MP Nattawut Prasertsuvan regarding how to handle it, asking the chair to rule whether to consider the motion or proceed with the current agenda. Rangsiman ruled to defer it to another agenda item to avoid wasting time, noting the Deputy Speaker had already signaled a 3:00 PM cutoff.
Bhumjaithai list MP Supachai Jaisamut objected, arguing the chair ruled incorrectly because an urgent motion requires a committee vote, and any ruling blocking it must be clearly recorded. He contended the motion preceded agenda item three and must be resolved first. Government-side committee members view prior actions as non-compliant with regulations and want them corrected, not merely discussed later.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai list MP Ratchanok "Ice" Srinook, in her capacity as chair of the Budget Scrutiny Committee, sought to discuss the matter, but Supachai interrupted, leading the meeting chair to cut off his microphone.
