Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat promised his supporters on Saturday that he would keep his word and form a "people's government" with other coalition parties.
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He made this declaration while meeting some 2,000 enthusiastic supporters in the eastern province of Chonburi.
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Speaking from the back of a pickup truck despite the pouring rain, Pita thanked people for their gracious welcome and promised them that Move Forward and other coalition partners would fulfil their commitment to creating a people's government.
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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40029600 .
#pitalimjaroenrat #moveforward #ThailandNews #ThaiPolitics #TheNation #ก้าวไกล
Legal experts challenge parliament's rejection of Pita's renomination
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Several Thai legal experts and political scientists have challenged parliament's decision to reject Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat's renomination as Thailand's prime minister, insisting Rule 41, which was used to justify the decision, cannot overrule the Constitution.
Professor Tongthong Chandransu, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law of Chulalongkorn University, said that he shares the opinion of former constitution writer Borwornsak Uwanno that the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, has a higher legal status than parliamentary meeting regulations.
He said that the nomination of candidates for prime minister comes under a separate set of rules, in accordance with sections 159 and 272 of the Constitution.
He added that Chapter 9 of the parliamentary meeting regulations clearly specifies that nomination of a prime ministerial candidate must be seconded by at least one-tenth of the members of the House of Representatives, or 50 MPs, compared to Rule 29 which states that a motion for prime ministerial candidacy nomination must be seconded by at least 10 MPs.
Professor Tongthong also pointed out that the word "motion" cannot be found in sections 157 or 272 of the Constitution.
Professor Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, posted on his Facebook page that, in some European democracies, the prime minister's selection process may take a long time because the same candidate can be renominated over and over again if he or she fails to receive approval from parliament.
Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a law lecturer at Thammasat University, said that many senators have misunderstood Rule 41, which is in chapter two of the parliamentary meeting regulations.
The rule says that a motion which fails to receive parliamentary approval cannot be resubmitted in the same parliamentary session.
Prinya said that Rule 41 can be applied only for motions submitted under chapter two, which is different from the prime ministerial selection process, which falls under sections 159 and 272 of the Constitution.
Nuttawut said the regulation allows the House Speaker to reconsider the submission of a failed motion in case of any changes in circumstances and this was what Wiroj Lakkanadisorn, Move Forward party-list MP tried to speak but he was not given an opportunity to do so.
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat's status and qualifications as the prime ministerial candidate remain intact and eligible for the re-nomination in parliament, said Move Forward party-list MP, Natthawut Buapratum during a parliamentary session on Thursday.
Padipat Suntiphada, first deputy speaker of the House of Representatives informed the parliamentarians about the Constitutional Court's order, which requires Pita to be suspended from duties as an MP since July 19, pending a verdict on a case concerning his alleged media shareholding.
As a result, there are currently 499 members of Parliament actively performing their duties. After the announcement, Nutthawut addressed to the parliamentary meeting that the suspension order did not affect the nomination of Pita as the party's prime ministerial candidate. His PM candidacy status remains intact and can be resubmitted for the parliament's endorsement.
After the majority of the joint sitting on Wednesday rejected Pita's re-nomination in the second round of PM vote, citing that the regulation No.41 prohibits resubmission of a fail motion in the same parliamentary session period.
Nuttawut said the regulation allows the House Speaker to reconsider the submission of a failed motion in case of any changes in circumstances and this was what Wiroj Lakkanadisorn, Move Forward party-list MP tried to speak but he was not given an opportunity to do so.
Natthawut also said that the Constitutional Court had not yet reached a verdict regarding whether Mr. Pita had committed any offenses. Therefore, until the court delivers its judgment, Mr. Pita is considered innocent. Therefore, Pita has the complete and full eligibility to be nominated as the prime minister. (TNA)
Natthawut also said that the Constitutional Court had not yet reached a verdict regarding whether Mr. Pita had committed any offenses.
The court voted 7-2 in favour of considering an EC petition and it has temporarily suspended him from serving as an MP from Wednesday (July 19) until the court issues the ruling while he has 15 days to respond, the court said in a statement.
The Constitutional Court has decided to proceed with the petition filed by the Election Commission (EC), seeking disqualification of PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat over the alleged media shareholding case (ITV).
The court voted 7-2 in favour of considering an EC petition. It has temporarily suspended him from serving as an MP from Wednesday (July 19) until the court issues the ruling. He has 15 days to respond, the court said in a statement.
The court's decision to hear the case has been announced as the parliament is debating whether Pita's re-nomination for a fresh prime ministerial vote is submitting a repeat motion which is prohibited under the parliament's regulation.
The second vote for a new prime minister was set for Wednesday after the election winning Move Forward Party's leader Pita failed to secure enough support from the bicameral parliament in the first vote on July 13. Despite being suspended from serving as an MP, Pita is still eligible to be a candidate for prime minister. (TNA)
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, opened in Bang Saray near Pattaya last year, is a destination leisure complex under EEC auspices and funded with foreign partners.
Growing confidence in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) will attract growing numbers of foreigners keen to play a part in its widening scope. Mr Chula Sukmanop, secretary general of the EEC office, said the staff of foreign entities could apply for the 10-year LTR visa with automatic work permits as part of a one stop shop package. The visa also is open to retirees and global citizens but the advantages are less clear-cut to them.
The EEC was set up in 2017 to boost economic growth in Chonburi (including Pattaya), Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces and has already had US$50 billion in investment. Initially, S-curve industries including electric vehicles and smart electronics were targeted, but Mr Chulasaid that stage two would see diversification into robotics, 5G and digitilisation, medical services and aviation amongst others. US$65 billion is the new financial target.
Foreigners were entitled to the EEC incentive package, via the LTR visa, which would include freedom from corporate tax for 15 years and low or exempt rates of personal income tax. Families are welcome under the LTR scheme and there are favorable regulations relating to customs duties as well as freedom from immigration bureaucracy such as the unpopular 90-day reporting of address. Mr Chula added that building or factory permits and other licenses to operate could all be granted at the EEC office.
EEC funding has already benefitted the Pattaya area. Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut Ports are undergoing massive updating and, in Pattaya City, a brand new port is under negotiation to allow cruise ships to dock directly at Bali Hai pier. Several nearby motorways were supported by the EEC and some beachfront projects have also received supplementary cash. Other initiatives include an EEC Smart City project, near Pattaya, and further transport improvements.
The LTR visa policy, which is run by the Board of Investment and not by the immigration bureau or foreign embassies, offers 10 years multiple entry stay to retirees and the global wealthy as well as business people. However, the key LTR advantage relates to tax incentives for investors and executives. Retirees and the idle rich have preferred the 5-20 years Elite visa which is simpler, although it does not include a work permit. The Board of Investment last December stated that about 2,700 applicants had expressed interest but did not say how many had actually progressed to completion.
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Update : Charter Court orders Pita to stop performing his parliamentary duties immediately
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Charter Court orders Pita to stop performing his parliamentary duties immediately
The Constitutional Court unanimously agreed today (Wednesday) to accept for consideration Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat's iTV share ownership case and, in a majority decision, ordered him to stop performing his duties as an MP immediately.
Pita has remained in the parliament chamber as the Court's order did not affect his candidacy for PM position.
A petition for the Charter Court to rule on Pita's parliamentary status was submitted by serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, who accused him of holding 42,000 iTV shares, a media company, when he registered his electoral candidacy, which is a violation of the charter.
The Constitutional Court ruled that the accusation has grounds, adding that Pita is entitled to rebut the accusation within 15 days.
On the petition to order Pita to stop performing his parliamentary duties, the Constitutional Court ruled 7-2 to order him to stop immediately.
After the Court issued the order for Pita to cease performing his MP duties, there are reports of more people gathering outside the parliament compound. Police have increased security around parliament.
Pita has been renominated for the premiership at a joint sitting of MPs and the Senate, after he failed to secure enough parliamentary votes for the position last week.
Thailand secured its position as the world's ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine's 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more.
In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal, Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece, and France. Notably, Thailand is the only Asian country featured in this esteemed group.
International Living acknowledges that the index's output is not meant to be scientific, however, it is based on the opinions and experiences of hundreds of retirees living in various countries.
The magazine acknowledges Thailand's expat appeal, citing its affordable cost of living combined with an enriched way of life. The country offers excellent opportunities in real estate, particularly for foreigners who can easily purchase condos and find bargains throughout the market. Additionally, Thailand boasts exceptional healthcare facilities, further enhancing its allure as a retirement destination.
To further bolster its appeal, the Thai government implemented investment promotion measures aimed at attracting foreign investors. Efforts are underway to enhance transportation networks within the country, ensuring domestic and international connectivity. These initiatives, coupled with the promotion of the creative economy, are expected to drive foreign investment in housing, generate employment opportunities, and boost income for the Thai population.
One retiree living in Thailand, Rachel Devlin, said…
"After living in Chiang Mai, a large city in the north of Thailand, my life could not be better. Over the last seven years, I have not been bored, not even for a minute. These days I enjoy a more active and healthier lifestyle. Happily, I have found a plethora of local events, including music, art, food festivals and locally run courses."
With its unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and welcoming communities, Thailand continues to captivate retirees from around the world.
Despite persisting concerns due to the ongoing political uncertainty, Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand revealed the TAT Action Plan 2024 at a conference held in Pattaya.
Pattaya, Thailand – Despite persisting concerns due to the ongoing political uncertainty, Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed the Tourism Authority of Thailand Action Plan 2024 (TATAP 2024) at a conference held on July 17at the Grand Center Point Space Hotel.
The conference was attended by representatives from the TAT headquarters, 29 overseas offices, and domestic branches, seeking to chart the course for tourism marketing in the upcoming fiscal year.
Part of a comprehensive five-year plan spanning from 2023 to 2027, TATAP 2024 focuses on sustainable tourism, enhancing capacity for accommodating tourists, ensuring readiness on the supply side, prioritizing environmental considerations, and integrating a bio-circular green economy. The plan seeks to attract the REVISIT traveler segment, encouraging visitors to return to familiar destinations.
Governor Yuthasak emphasized the importance of consistency and confidence to reassure stakeholders amidst evolving market dynamics. However, political developments loom as a significant factor. Sitthiwat Chiwarattanaphorn, President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), expressed concerns about the potential impact of ongoing political turmoil on the tourism sector. Detailed analysis of potential protests and their repercussions on tourism is needed, as the extent of demonstrations and clashes of divergent opinions among protesters could affect the industry.
The conference was attended by representatives from TAT headquarters, 29 overseas offices and domestic branches, seeking to chart the course for tourism marketing in the upcoming fiscal year.
Additionally, Chinese tourists, a significant segment of Thailand's visitor arrivals, have become increasingly cautious about political gatherings and their consequences. Negative news circulating on Chinese social media, including reports of extortion and taxi meter issues, has affected Thailand's safety image. This newfound perception among Chinese travelers could potentially impact their travel decisions.
The TAT is set to officially announce the plan on July 17 at the Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Updates provided by overseas branch offices will offer valuable insights for operators in 2024, helping them navigate Thailand's dynamic tourism landscape.
Yuthasak Supasorn reassured the delegates stated, "Despite political uncertainties, the tourism sector eagerly anticipates the implementation of TATAP 2024. The plan is expected to establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth and restore confidence among domestic and international travelers in Thailand's tourism offerings."
Weekly COVID-19 Situation in Thailand 9 - 15 July 2023.
Number of confirmed infected cases admitted to hospitals 613 (88 per day on average),
Number of fatalities 14 (2 per day on average),
Cumulative infected cases (since 1 January 2023) 30,310,
Cumulative number of fatalities (since 1 January 2023) 741.
A family of tourists relax on Karon Beach, the longest beach in Phuket. The resort island expects to welcome 14 million visitors this year. (Photo: ACHADTHAYA CHUENNIRAN)
Phuket is targeting over 14 million international and domestic tourists with tourism-related revenue expected to exceed 200–300 billion baht by the end of this year, according to Phuket Tourist Association (PTA).
Phuket was hit heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic during 2020–2021 but tourists started returning once the Sandbox scheme kicked off in July, 2021.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post about Phuket's tourism plan for 2023-2024, Rangsiman Kingkaew, deputy president of the PTA, said about 700,000–800,000 tourists came to Phuket monthly before the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2019.
A total of 14 million tourists, including 10 million foreigners, visited Phuket, generating tourist revenue worth up to 440 billion baht, the second largest after Bangkok, he said.
Now tourism on Phuket has improved about 80% [compared to tourist arrivals in 2019] as some 500,000-600,000 tourists are arriving monthly, he said.
"Phuket could make more than 200-300 billion baht from tourism by the end of 2023 with more than 14 million tourists expected," Mr Rangsiman said.
The number of foreign tourists arriving in Phuket from many countries exceeds the number before Covid-19 hit.
The number of German tourists has grown over 150% compared to the pre-Covid-19 period, Russians 130%, Australians 97% and Kazakhs 3,000%.
Speaking of regular visitors from India, Mr Rangsiman said some Indian airlines have gone bankrupt, resulting in a smaller number of South Asian tourists coming to Phuket.
Kazakhstan was the first country to operate direct flights to Phuket during its Sandbox scheme which allowed international tourists to visit during the pandemic. Now Kazakhs have climbed to one of the top 10 visitors in Phuket by nationality, Mr Rangsiman said.
Muslim visitors from the Middle East are another target. In the future, Phuket might be able to position itself as a Muslim-friendly destination as it is well equipped with services suitable for halal practice.
From November last year to June 16, the three largest groups of international visitors were Russians followed by Chinese, Indians, Australians and Kazakhs.
Roadshow
Mr Rangsiman said Chinese tourists are likely to keep visiting Phuket during the current low season.
Reports said most international tourists take transit flights at airports in Dubai and Singapore where they embark on flights directly to Phuket.
Mr Rangsiman added that if Thailand's national air-carrier provides more direct flights from international cities to Phuket, the resort island would gain even more visitors.
The association will push strategies to attract both domestic and international visitors to the resort island via a roadshow in Thailand, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East next year.
First, the PTA hopes to retain Phuket's regulars from China, Russia, Australia, UK, Germany and other European countries. It will attend the tourism exhibition ITB Berlin, which is the world's largest tourism trade fair, next March to connect its network with European suppliers.
Apart from the ITB Berlin, the PTA will also hold a roadshow in April in China. Data shows China's economy has not bounced back from the pandemic, resulting in less international travel among its citizens.
In May, the PTA's tourism roadshow will travel to Australia, another target group for arrivals during the low season.
Next month, the PTA will visit Russia to promote its tourism roadshow.
Mr Rangsiman said Russian tourists tend to stays for weeks. Some holiday in Phuket for a month to 90 days.
"Russian nationals are granted a 90-day tourist visa to Thailand. Due to the political unrest in their country, many have sought villas in Phuket," he added.
A family of tourists relax on Karon Beach, the longest beach in Phuket. The resort island expects to welcome 14 million visitors this year. ACHADTHAYA CHUENNIRAN
New targets
The PTA also hopes to attract new target groups. The number of tourists from India, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and Oman has risen since the pandemic ended.
Direct flights from such countries play a big role in bringing Muslim tourists to Phuket.
Mr Rangsiman said India's GoAir and IndiGo launched direct flights to Phuket a few years before the Covid-19 pandemic hit and now Indians are one of the largest groups of visitors.
A new flight directly from Saudi Arabia to Phuket might be launched this year. Meanwhile, more flights from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam also visited the island in May.
Another potential market for the PTA is South African tourists who usually visit Phuket during the low season. Taking advantage of long-haul flights from Africa to Phuket, many South African tourists visit the island and can tend to stay for weeks.
The PTA also will work towards promoting Phuket's tourism to Thai nationals.
Even though the resort island is known for its international tourists, Thai tourists still make up over 30% of overall visitors by nationality, he said.
Mr Rangsiman said Phuket has welcomed Thai tourists in every season and the island survived the pandemic crisis by receiving attention from locals rather than foreigners.
He added the PTA also will organise its tourism roadshows in major regional provinces such as Bangkok, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Songkhla to attract more Thai tourists to travel to Phuket during the low season.
PHUKET: Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, arrived in Phuket last night (July 14).
Mr Lavrov landed at Phuket International Airport to be welcomed by a delegation that included Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan.
Official reports of Mr Lavrov's arrival mark that Mr Lavrov is expected to officiate the opening of the Russian consulate at Boat Lagoon in Koh Kaew. The consulate has been operating out of its offices at Boat Lagoon for several years.
No other information regarding Mr Lavrov's visit was provided.
Mr Lavrov has served as the Foreign Minister of Russia since 2004. He is the longest-serving foreign minister since the Tsarist era, and has served longer than any foreign minister of the Soviet period.
Mr Lavrov's visit follows a marked increase in the number of Russians visiting Phuket as tourists and the number of Russians choosing to stay on the island.
According to the Ministry of Tourism & Sports, 740,840 Russian nationals visited Thailand from January through May this year.
According to Phuket Immigration, Russia provided 25,947 visitors arriving directly in Phuket last month, a decrease of 2.6% from 26,624 in May.
Russian arrivals in Phuket last month were second only to Chinese nationals, who saw 44,066 direct arrivals in June, an increase of 16.4% from 37,949 in May.
Mr Lavrov on Thursday appealed to Southeast Asian countries to work together to revive flagging trade with his country, using a forum in Jakarta to pitch the use of national currencies, rather than dollars, to evade Western sanctions, reports Nikkei Asia.
The sanctions, leveled after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, have led to a 4.4% drop in trade between Russia and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
A report by Reuters marked that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday (July 14) that Mr Lavrov had not been constructive during this week's meeting between top diplomats from major powers and their Southeast Asian counterparts in Jakarta.
Speaking after the Asean Regional Forum – which involved the foreign ministers of Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states and key strategic partners such as China, the US, India and Russia – Blinken said Lavrov used his interventions to attack Washington, said the report.
The meeting in Jakarta marked only the second time Blinken and Lavrov have been in the same room since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine last year. They last saw each other in New Delhi in March, on the sidelines of a G20 meeting, the Reuters report noted.
🇹🇭 Update: Thailand's parliament failed to elect a new prime minister as the sole candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, fell short of the required majority. Pita, leader of the Move Forward Party, received 324 votes in favor, while 182 were against, and 199 abstained. A second round of voting is scheduled for July 19.
The Move Forward Party emerged as the largest party in the lower house after the general election. Pita's coalition will decide whether to back him again or nominate another candidate.
#ThailandPolitics #ElectionUpdates
Leading economists keeping a close eye on political situation
The private sector and economists are closely monitoring the formation of the next Thai government after Move Forward Party's prime minister candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat failed to be elected in the first round of voting.
While such an outcome was expected, the Board of Trade has expressed concern over the slow growth of Thai GDP of 2.5-3.0%, and the real estate business has been vocal in its fears of delayed budgets and decreased investment.
According to Kiatnakin Phatra Securities chief economist Pipat Luengnaruemitchai, an ongoing uncertain political situation poses a clear risk to the Thai economy as it will hinder new investments from both the public and private sectors.
Currently, the sole driving force of the Thai economy is tourism. However, if the situation drags on and leads to protests, it will immediately impact the overall tourism sector and pose a greater risk to the Thai economy.
CIMB Thai Bank chief economist Amonthep Chawla was more cautious, saying it was probably too early to assess the direction of the conclusion and the resulting impacts. Nevertheless, based on the ongoing political uncertainty which could potentially result in a prolonged government formation, effects could be observed in three aspects:
1. The impact on public sector investment may be more significant than anticipated. If the government formation is postponed until after the third quarter or extended until the end of the year or next year, it will affect government spending and the state budget, which will not contribute to supporting the Thai economy. Consequently, there might be a delay in public-sector investments, as well as a slowdown in private-sector construction projects.
2. Confidence in the financial market and private sector investments will be affected. As the world is undergoing a shift in production bases, especially with China increasing its presence in Asean, Thailand's perceived lack of political certainty and stability may hinder new investments into the country and encourage relocation of production bases to Indonesia or Vietnam. Should the political situation continues to linger, Thailand might miss out on new investments in the coming 1-2 months, and there might be a decrease in significant investments or large-scale investments in the near future.
3. Household consumption will inevitably be affected. Even without political protests, households are currently exhibiting low purchasing power and only recovering at the middle level. Without support to bolster the economy, there will be significant pressure on households, particularly in the agricultural and SME sectors.
If the political situation drags on and leads to public unrest, the fourth quarter Thai economic growth target of 5% will certainly be affected, Amornthep added.
Trinity Securities analyst Nuttachart Mekmasin noted that the election results for the current Prime Minister selection aligned with market expectations that the first round of voting would not pass. However, the outcomes had a positive effect on certain stocks, leading to increased profits. For example, electricity companies saw reduced pressure on electricity cost adjustments, construction contractors benefited from labour cost relief, and large-cap stocks in various industries saw positive movement.
It is therefore expected that the Thai stock market today (July 14) will not experience significant declines if it adjusts downwards, and any upward movement will be limited.
Nuttachart added that the research team had assessed the outcomes of the Prime Minister selection and government formation in three scenarios:
1. If Pita becomes the Prime Minister and the Move Forward Party leads the government formation, it would have a slightly positive impact on the Thai stock index, although concerns about the Move Forward Party's policies could negatively affect the capital market.
2. Were the Move Forward Party to join a newly formed government coalition, this too would have a slight positive impact on the Thai stock index. However, if MFP were to end up in opposition, the rise or fall of the index would largely depend on subsequent protests and whether these could be controlled.
According to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce president and director of the Economic and Business Forecasting Center Thanawat Polvichai, if the government formation is delayed, an interim government would be chosen to take over until a new government is formed. It is estimated that if the government is not formed by October, 2023 and if protests occur, the Thai economy could expand by only 2.5-3.%.
If the government is formed quickly, and the global economy recovers rapidly, there is a chance that the Thai economy could expand by 3.6-4%.
NATIONAL Police Chief Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittipraphat early this morning (July 14) ordered police nationwide to prepare for possible protests with Parliament strongly guarded following prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat failing to get enough votes to take the helm of the government at a joint House/senate meeting yesterday, Naewna newspaper said.
The pro-Pita votes cast by the lawmakers yesterday only accounted for 324 votes, 13 of which came from senators, but it was 51 votes short of a minimum of 375 accounting for more than half the combined total of MPs and senators as required by law.
Tight security was mounted around the Parliament building with approximately 40 containers covered with vinyl sheets placed around the entrance. High-pressure water cannon trucks and paddy wagons were being brought in.
Samsen road was closed from Bang Krabue intersection to Boon Rawd Company ; Pracharat Sai 1 Road closed from Kiak Kai to Bang Po intersection; and Thahan road closed from Kiak Kai to Saphan Daeng intersection.
At these intersections police had placed containers, rolled our barbed wire and metal barriers to prevent Move Forward supporters from getting within 50-metre radius of the Parliament as announced by Metropolitan Police.
Some Move Forward supporters had gathered at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration complex, or Kiak Kai complex, near the Parliament since last night with more people carrying placards flocking in from morning.
First deputy House speaker Padipat Santipada, who is a Move Forward MP, came to inspect the area and give encouragement.
He said his visit is to arrange space for people rallying because it is the policy of House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who is concurrently Parliament president, that gathering is a fundamental right and freedom of the people
He also pointed out that closing this area is too strict and may increase tension with demonstrators only wanting to show their support for Pita.
Pol.Gen. Damrongsak said he has ordered provincial police chiefs to closely monitor the situation with Metropolitan Police being responsible for the security in Bangkok and the Parliament.
Police were ordered to carry out their duties within the framework of the law and not increase further conflicts and prevent complications. They were also told to announce through loudspeakers the law and guidelines on assembling with the people having the right to gather.
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