Parliament Delays Interior Ministry Budget Debate as Arguments Mount
Parliament's House of Representatives delayed debate on the 2570 fiscal year budget's Interior Ministry section after over 40 lawmakers registered to speak, with officials warning the process could stall further articles without better coor
On September 9, 2025, at Parliament, the House of Representatives convened with First Deputy Speaker Mallika Jiraphantavaanich presiding over consideration of the 2570 fiscal year budget bill in its second reading on the third day. Debate on Article 20 concerning the Interior Ministry began at 9:40 a.m., with over 40 lawmakers registered to speak. By 1:00 p.m., nearly 20 more speakers remained. Phichayut Phojit, a Pheu Thai MP from Uttaradit, requested on behalf of the government whip that the speaker list be closed, noting that registration alone had already consumed four hours. Deputy Speaker Mallika responded that both the government and opposition whips must coordinate to ensure smooth debate, which requires cooperation from all members. She agreed to close the speaker list for Article 20 but warned that many more lawmakers had signed up for subsequent articles. She urged both whips to discuss and agree on how to proceed efficiently, suggesting they hold talks rather than continue adding speakers indefinitely.
