"Attakorn" reveals anticipating "Thammanat" to counter the Prime Minister's policy statement during the debate.

Today (8 April) at 10:30 AM at the Parliament, Mr. Attakorn Sirilathiyakorn, MP for Chachoengsao from the Kla Tham Party, along with other MPs from the party, held a press conference. They stated that the party has had a clear stance since before the formation of the government, regardless of whether it is in the government or opposition. They expressed confidence in the capabilities of all 58 party members and are ready to fully perform their assigned duties. It is now clear that the party will function as the opposition.

Mr. Attakorn added that regarding media inquiries about whether the party would be a passive opposition, the media should follow the party's role in the parliamentary sessions on Thursday and Friday (April 9-10), where the government's policy statement will be presented. The Kla Tham Party has been allocated approximately 20 speakers for the debate, tasked with scrutinizing and questioning the policies promised by the coalition government during the election campaign to ensure they can be implemented as promised to the public.

Mr. Atthakorn further stated that, regarding policy implementation, the party is preparing to submit three draft laws to the House of Representatives. The first is the National Education Act, proposed by Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, the party leader, along with over 10 party MPs, aiming for concrete educational reform. He will personally submit the other two: the Land Reform and Agricultural Land Protection Act, as the party prioritizes the agricultural sector and recognizes the gap in land ownership rights for farmers nationwide. This law will facilitate more efficient and effective land utilization for farmers.

Mr. Atthakorn added that the third draft is the Agricultural Volunteer Act, noting that while volunteers in other sectors, such as public health, receive compensation, fieldwork reveals that agricultural volunteers continue to work unpaid out of voluntary dedication. Therefore, it is necessary to push for legislation to support and incentivize this group of personnel, a concept he has been promoting since his time as a Member of Parliament.

Mr. Atthakorn further stated that he expects the House of Representatives' work during this session will provide members with more opportunities to propose and push for legislation, especially through special meetings on Fridays to consider both motions and draft laws from MPs. The Kla Tham Party will continue to fully perform its role as the opposition, scrutinizing the government and pushing for legislation that benefits the public.

When asked about the Kla Tham Party's readiness to debate the government's policies, Mr. Atthakorn said that the party has outlined five areas for debate based on a review of the government's policy document and has allocated MPs according to their expertise in each topic to ensure the debate covers all dimensions, including economics, society, disaster response, public sector reform, and improvements to related laws.

Regarding whether there are any points of concern in the government's policy statement, Mr. Atthakorn said that he doesn't need to criticize the ministers' policies themselves, believing that each minister's policies have been carefully considered. While some issues may not be fully covered, the important thing is whether the government can actually implement its announced policies and how they will concretely benefit the public. This is a point that the party will prioritize and closely monitor.

Mr. Atthakorn reiterated that the government's policies will affect the lives of the people over the next four years. Therefore, the party wants to fulfill its oversight role to ensure the government fulfills its promises to the people, especially the policy statement this Thursday and Friday, which is a declaration of promises through Parliament. The party has a duty to push for its implementation. If the promises are not fulfilled, it will be necessary to scrutinize and pressure the government to act accordingly.

When asked whether Captain Thamanat Promphao, MP and Chairman of the Advisory Board, would participate in the 20-speech quota, Mr. Atthakorn said that they are trying to persuade him. However, Captain Thamanat had discussed from the beginning that today, with MPs from all regions, they want to reflect the problems, ideas, and identity of the Kla Tham Party as much as possible. If there is sufficient time, Captain Thamanat may give a concluding speech, but it depends on their satisfaction. If the MPs can cover all the issues as we want, a concluding speech may not be necessary; this would be a special case. Our party has been allocated almost four hours for the debate, and we will use it to the fullest.

Reporters then asked about the Attorney General's indictment of Mr. Chonnapat Naksua, a Songkhla MP from the Kla Tham Party, and others on charges of money laundering and online gambling. Mr. Atthakorn stated that Mr. Chonnapat is still a party member, but they haven't spoken this week. He preferred that the interview be directed to Mr. Chonnapat himself, as he feared intruding on the details and didn't know them. However, he affirmed that he had performed his duties as an opposition member to the best of his ability for the first time in his life.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong