Thai MP Says Opposition Insists on Five-Day Inquiry Despite Government's National Priorities

Key summary

Thanakorn Wangboonkongwanchai, a member of parliament for the Party for Thailand (Pheu Thai) and former Minister of Industry, stated that the government is ready to explain allegations to the public but faces an impasse because the opposition refuses to reduce their requested inquiry timeframe from five days. Thanakorn noted that if the opposition had accepted a four-day framework initially, the issue would have been resolved long ago. He highlighted upcoming national events including the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in China, the 49th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, and a planned visit by the President of the People's Republic of China to Thailand as critical missions that cannot be avoided. Thanakorn confirmed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnviragool has instructed all ministers, especially those under scrutiny, to postpone their work and remain in Thailand for inquiries, but emphasized that the government must find a new suitable date because the opposition continues to prioritize duration over content.