Opposition Seeks Midnight Quorum Count as Budget Debate Drags On
Opposition MPs sought a midnight quorum count as the House debated the 2570 budget bill late into September 9, with the coalition accused of deliberately extending Section 32 discussions to delay opposition questioning of the Election Commi
At 11:30 p.m. on September 9, the House of Representatives continued deliberations on the 2570 fiscal year budget bill in its second reading, with Second Deputy House Speaker Lertsak Patanchaikul presiding. Government coalition MPs, led by Bhumjaithai Party, coordinated continuously to press ahead with Section 32 debate covering independent agencies and the public prosecutor's office, with particular attention on the Election Commission budget. Opposition sources reported that the coalition intended to drag out discussions of Section 32 to complete it overnight, potentially running until 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., pushing opposition debate on the Election Commission and a senator impeachment case into late-night hours when public interest wanes. At 11:45 p.m., Nonthaburi MP Nont Phisallim of the Pheu Thai Party requested a quorum count during Section 25 debate on the Public Health Ministry budget, prompting some coalition MPs to ask for absent members to return. Pakorwut Udomphipatsukul, a Pheu Thai list MP, offered to withdraw the quorum motion if the government clarified when budget deliberations would finish on September 10, noting opposition readiness to cooperate. Prayut Siripanitchai, a Move Forward Party list MP, suggested adjourning after midnight, as had been done previously during seven-day sessions. At 11:55 p.m., Lertsak confirmed a quorum of 284 members present and allowed the session to continue, urging members to find common ground.
