Parliament Uproar As Justice Minister Snubs Questioning

At 2:30 p.m. on July 2, 2569, the House of Representatives convened under Speaker Sophon Sararum to address an oral question from Priset Wattrasindhu, a Pheu Thai party list MP, regarding Senate graft proceedings under DSI investigation. Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naowaratol failed to appear, citing official duties, prompting an uproar on the parliamentary floor.

Priset expressed frustration at the minister's absence, accusing him of deliberately dodging accountability and attempting to evade scrutiny of the Senate case by waiting for the Election Commission to intervene. When Speaker Sophon tried to move to the next agenda item, opposition MP Pakorn Udompipat challenged the speaker's handling of the matter, demanding to know if the government would continue disrespecting the legislative branch.

Sophon clarified that the speaker has no authority to compel the executive to answer questions. When Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoey attempted to discuss parliamentary procedures to assist Priset, Sophon cut him off, citing rules against interrupting general discussions. Despite Satit's objections, the microphone was muted and he was ordered to sit.

Pakorn protested the speaker's decision, arguing members have the right to object. When pro-government MP Romtham Kamnurak offered the opposition an additional question slot for next week, Sophon reminded him that rules allow only three questions weekly, requiring one to be dropped. Pakorn suggested waiving the rules for more questions, but Sophon refused.

The disagreement escalated when Pakorn asked what rule violation he had committed in requesting an exception. Sophon sternly told him such behavior was improper and ordered him to sit, explaining that the government had already proposed a solution. Pakorn remained standing, prompting Sophon to declare frustration over why anyone was at the session at all, before ordering Pakorn to be seated.