The President of the Senate, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, presided over today’s Senate meeting, where he addressed the reasons behind the absence of 33 senators during the bicameral session on July 13, which aimed to select a new prime minister. He urged senators not to discuss potential amendments to Article 272 of the Constitution until it officially becomes a Senate agenda.
During the meeting, Pornpetch explained that two senators were absent as they were attending an ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly conference in China. Six senior armed forces figures who are also senators were absent due to important duties, and nine other senators had prior commitments abroad. Additionally, 16 senators were on sick leave, accounting for a total of 33 absentees.
Regarding reports of intimidation and privacy violations against senators, the Senate President has requested police protection for senate members and their families. He strongly condemned these criminal acts and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Lastly, Pornpetch advised senators to avoid discussing any potential amendments to Article 272 of the Constitution until it becomes an active agenda item of the Senate.
