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Constitutional Clash: Wisut Chainarun Speaks on Senate’s Unexpected Referendum Stance

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Hold onto your seats, political enthusiasts, because the governmental drama is heating up! The Lower and Upper Houses are currently at odds over the required majority to pass an essential referendum on the 2017 constitution rewrite. While the House of Representatives already gave a thumbs-up to the charter referendum bill, the Senate will take the spotlight during its second and third readings come Monday.

In an unexpected twist, the Senate committee, which initially seemed on board with a simple majority passed by the House, is now leaning back towards a double majority. Talk about a political plot twist! Pheu Thai Party list-MP Wisut Chainarun, serving as the government’s chief whip, played it cool on Sunday, opting to remain tight-lipped about the Senate committee’s last-minute flip-flop.

“And if the Senate finally backs its committee’s decision on the double majority rule in the charter referendum bill, the two Houses will have to form a joint committee to work out their differences,” Chainarun sighs, resolving for more dialogue.

But wait, there’s more drama! Enter the minority senators. These political underdogs aren’t holding back their displeasure. Raising eyebrows and suspicions, they flagged the Senate committee’s decision as irregular. Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, wide-eyed with surprise, shared her bewilderment. “The committee suddenly resolved to change from the simple majority to the double majority only in its last meeting, despite supporting the simple majority at all previous meetings,” she vented. Neelapaijit now fears this decision could derail the first referendum, risking a missed deadline for the provincial administrative organization elections slated for February next year.

Senator Nantana Nantavaropas isn’t buying it. With an eagle-eye view on proceedings, she feels the winds of engineering in the Upper House’s mysterious vote change. She’s vowed to use Monday’s Senate session as her stage to voice staunch opposition against this sudden about-face. Her determination is nothing short of a high-wire act of defiance.

On the flip side, Sen Chattrawat Saengphet, the committee chairman, brushed off the criticism with the ease of someone clearing crumbs off a table. He dismissed the idea that the decision aims to delay the bill, suggesting—perhaps too casually—that this conflict is business as usual in the political arena.

So, what’s next? Monday’s Senate showdown will either escalate the drama or pave the way for a joint committee to wrestle out the differences between the simple and double majority rule. With the stakes this high and opinions this volatile, you wouldn’t want to miss a minute of this live-action political thriller. Stay tuned as this tale of twists, turns, and tactical conversations continues to unfold!

36 Comments

  1. Sara Lin September 29, 2024

    This is insane! Why even flip-flop on the majority requirement at the last minute? The Senate’s wishy-washy stance just makes them look unreliable.

    • politics_guru September 29, 2024

      It’s called political maneuvering. They’re obviously trying to gain more control. Simple majority would make it easier for the referendum to pass; with a double majority, they have a stronger grip.

      • John P September 29, 2024

        But isn’t this supposed to be about what’s best for the country, not just political gain? The double majority seems like a way to deadlock the process.

      • Sara Lin September 29, 2024

        Exactly. It’s like they don’t even care about actual governance. Just blocking and delay tactics.

    • JustinaD September 29, 2024

      I think the Senate has a valid point. A double majority ensures broader consensus. You want a new constitution to have widespread support, not just a simple majority.

  2. Tommy239 September 29, 2024

    Wisut Chainarun is just playing it safe. He knows that ruffling Senate feathers might backfire on the Pheu Thai Party.

    • Emily W September 29, 2024

      True, but isn’t now the time to take a stand? He needs to lead, not just stay quiet.

      • Tommy239 September 29, 2024

        Leaders often have to tread carefully. One wrong move could mean losing any chance of passing the bill.

      • Kritika S September 29, 2024

        Wisut is being pragmatic. Sometimes silence is more powerful in politics.

  3. politico_watch September 29, 2024

    Angkhana Neelapaijit has every right to be upset. This sudden change is suspicious and reeks of backroom deals.

    • Patricia T. September 29, 2024

      I agree. This move seems designed to sabotage the referendum. The senators are clearly playing dirty.

    • Ryan D September 29, 2024

      Let’s not jump to conclusions. Political decisions are complex. There might be valid reasons behind this move.

      • Amanda L September 30, 2024

        Sure, but why keep it hidden until the last moment if their reasons were so valid? Transparency is key in democracy.

  4. Mari Castro September 29, 2024

    Nantana Nantavaropas seems more concerned with creating a scene than solving problems. Shouting on the Senate floor isn’t going to help.

    • economist_phil September 29, 2024

      Sometimes, creating a scene is necessary. People need to see the drama to realize there’s something seriously wrong.

    • Jake M September 29, 2024

      I see both sides but agree with Nantana. When an issue is critical, raising your voice is sometimes the only way to be heard.

      • Mari Castro September 29, 2024

        True, but it has to be constructive. What she’s doing borders on grandstanding, not problem-solving.

  5. Molly September 29, 2024

    Why is Sen Chattrawat Saengphet dismissing criticism so lightly? This isn’t ‘business as usual,’ it’s the future of the constitution!

    • history_buff September 30, 2024

      Exactly. His attitude just shows how disconnected some leaders are from actual stakes involved.

      • Joan L September 30, 2024

        The cynicism in politics is just sad. It’s like they’ve forgotten they represent the people.

        • Molly September 30, 2024

          Absolutely. This is why public trust in politicians is so low.

  6. Veer S September 29, 2024

    Let’s be real. A double majority is just a tactic to stall the referendum. They don’t want change, period.

    • JaneW September 30, 2024

      Couldn’t agree more. Classic case of the old guard trying to maintain status quo.

    • balanced_view September 30, 2024

      Or maybe they do want change but in a more controlled, slower manner. Rapid changes can be destabilizing.

      • Veer S September 30, 2024

        Controlled change? Sounds like code for no change at all. They’re just buying time.

  7. Alex B September 30, 2024

    This feels like another example of the elitist power struggle in Thai politics. Normal citizens just want effective governance.

    • Catherine K September 30, 2024

      Spot on! Ordinary people’s voices are always sidelined in these power plays.

      • Natt W September 30, 2024

        That’s why constitutional reforms are essential. They should include mechanisms for greater public participation.

        • Alex B September 30, 2024

          Exactly. Without public involvement, any new constitution is just another piece of paper.

  8. Nora September 30, 2024

    I wish more politicians had the courage to stand up like Angkhana Neelapaijit. She’s fighting for transparency.

    • SammyD September 30, 2024

      Yeah, but how effective is shock and awe? Maybe working behind the scenes would be better.

      • Nora September 30, 2024

        Working behind the scenes is what led to this last-minute flip-flop! We need more transparency, not less.

  9. George M September 30, 2024

    I don’t trust any side on this. Both Houses have played dirty before. This just looks like another round of the same old game.

  10. christopher101 September 30, 2024

    It’s a classic standoff. If the Senate blocks the bill, the joint committee negotiations will go on for ages. Is this really the best way to serve the people?

    • diehard_fan September 30, 2024

      That’s politics for you. Nothing is straightforward when there’s power at stake.

  11. Lily Martin September 30, 2024

    It feels like every time progress is within reach, some hidden agenda pops up to derail it. Frustrating.

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