Parliament Overwhelmingly Approves 34 Draft Laws with 611-3 Vote, Moving Forward in Legislative Process
Parliament approved 34 draft laws in a single collective vote with overwhelming support (611-3), advancing them through the legislative process under constitutional procedures on May 15.
On May 15, 2569, Paradorn Prishnanantakul, a Bhumjaithai Party member and Deputy Prime Minister, addressed concerns from opposition lawmakers questioning whether the cabinet had properly consulted parliament members before advancing the draft laws. He responded to criticism from Prasit Wattcharasindhu of the Phak Pracharachon (People's Party), defending the government's consultation process and clarifying that bills are brought before the Cabinet Legal Affairs Department for review before approval consideration.
Paradorn emphasized that bills submitted to parliament become the property of parliament itself once they pass the first reading. Regarding constitutional amendment drafts, he noted it would be inappropriate to detail substantive matters while representing the cabinet. He explained that accepting the Bhumjaithai Party's draft as the primary framework could resolve complications, particularly regarding Senate voting requirements.
"When seeking cooperation from colleagues, we cannot abandon them," Paradorn stated. "We must work together and communicate. Otherwise, nothing will succeed. If we only follow our own agenda without listening to others, we will not achieve our goals."
He responded to Democrat Party member Abhisit Vejjajiva's concerns by clarifying that once bills pass first reading, they belong to parliament—not to individual parties. The government would consider whichever draft would provide the greatest benefit to the people.
The assembly then voted on the proposal to conduct a single collective vote on all 34 draft laws rather than individual votes. Parliament approved the collective voting method with 611 in favor, 3 opposed, and 1 abstention, allowing all 34 draft bills to proceed according to Article 147, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution.
