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🇹🇭 Thailand /Elections & Politics

PP leader blasted over 'blue regime' remark; senators demand apology

From Bangkok Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Senators are demanding an apology from opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut for calling the Senate a "blue regime" linked to the 2017 Constitution.
  • A group of 89 senators rejected the accusation, calling it false and threatening legal action if an apology isn't issued within three days.
  • Mr. Natthaphong stated his remarks referred to a broader political structure, not individuals, and the People's Party (PP) will support constitutional reform aligned with its principles.

Thai senators have issued a stern warning to opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, demanding an immediate apology for his recent remarks labeling the Senate as part of a "blue regime" rooted in the 2017 Constitution, which he described as a legacy of a coup.

Senate a 'coup by-product'

— Natthaphong RuengpanyawutThe opposition leader's description of the Senate's origin.

A coalition of 89 senators, spearheaded by Senate whip spokesperson Phisit Apivatanapong, held a press conference to reject Mr. Natthaphong's allegations, made in a Facebook post. They deemed the accusations "false" and "the worst kind of conduct," asserting that senators operate independently and are not subject to the control of any political entity. The senators have given Mr. Natthaphong a three-day ultimatum to apologize, threatening legal action if he fails to comply.

blue Senate

— Natthaphong RuengpanyawutThe specific term used by the opposition leader to describe the current Senate.

Mr. Phisit refuted the claim that the Senate is a product of coup politics, emphasizing that the 2017 Constitution was approved by referendum and followed by multiple general elections. He pointed out that parties associated with Mr. Natthaphong, from the Future Forward Party to the Move Forward Party and now the People's Party (PP), have participated in these elections. He also defended the Senate's selection process, stating that senators are chosen through an intra-professional mechanism and are legitimate unless legally challenged.

false and 'the worst kind of conduct'

— Phisit ApivatanapongThe Senate whip spokesperson's rejection of Mr. Natthaphong's allegations.

In response, Mr. Natthaphong did not commit to an apology, clarifying that his comments were directed at a broader political framework rather than specific individuals. He indicated that the PP would support constitutional amendment proposals that align with its principles, advocating for a people-centric charter and opposing expanded Senate privileges. Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul noted that the timeline for rewriting the constitution remains uncertain, as additional draft proposals may still be submitted.

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DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Bangkok Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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