PPRP disrupts first meeting

The first parliamentary meeting of the new legislative session ended prematurely after a surprise move by the opposition prompted questions about a possible lack of quorum yesterday.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

The session, held amid concerns over the government's slim parliamentary majority following the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) from the coalition, began at 9am with Pichet Chuamuangphan, the first deputy House speaker, presiding.

The chamber acknowledged a royal decree convening the session, as well as the official appointments and dismissals of cabinet ministers.

After addressing periods of live questions, the meeting appeared to proceed smoothly until the early afternoon when Akkara Thongjaisod, an MP from the opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), called for a quorum count.