Phraratchadap Warns Government Won't Endorse Any Bills if Insincere; Abhisit Counters

On May 15, 2025, at Parliament during the first joint parliamentary session, urgent agenda items were considered including approval to review bills that parliament has not yet endorsed and that remain incomplete under Section 147, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution. Member discussions began at 10:00 AM. At 3:00 PM, Phraratchadap Parisunanuntakul, Minister Attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, clarified that the government appreciated members' input and reaffirmed its sincerity and commitment to respecting the legislative institution. The government endorses not only bills from the executive but also from parliament members and the public sector. Among the 34 bills, the government's endorsement reflects careful consideration of legislative proposals, with the cabinet having endorsed bills twice for valid reasons.

Phraratchadap emphasized that if the government were insincere, it could easily approve all 100-plus bills or reject every single one, as previous governments have done. Instead, the government has demonstrated clear intent through thorough analysis and deliberation. Regarding the village health volunteer compensation bill, which the cabinet did not endorse, Phraratchadap explained this was not due to neglect but concern that provisions for volunteers over 60 years old could create problems, as many volunteers fall within the 60-70 age range. The Public Health Ministry will accelerate the bill promptly.

On constitutional amendments, Phraratchadap stated the government and Bhumjaithai Party are sincere and committed, having coordinated with party leaders. On May 19, if no obstacles arise, all 190 parliament members will submit a constitutional amendment draft to parliament to align with public referendum results of 21.6 million votes. He explained the government has not endorsed pending constitutional amendment drafts because parliament should initiate the process, and the pending draft has problems that previously led to dissolution and raises Senate authority issues that would likely fail in the Senate.

Phraratchadap concluded: "With the new parliament, it is appropriate for them to submit new constitutional amendment proposals. Bhumjaithai, with 192 votes, has already pioneered this, demonstrating our commitment to amending the Constitution in line with the 21 million citizens who voted in the February 8 referendum."

At 3:40 PM, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Democratic Party list MP, rose to question and thank the minister for the clarification, noting the minister attempted to explain the endorsement process.