Thai parliament rejects constitutional amendment bill

A session of the Thai parliament (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) – A constitutional amendment bill was rejected by theparliament of Thailand on late March 17 in itsthird and final reading, failing to get the support of a majority of parliamentmembers and at least one-third of senators as the constitution required, local medica reported.

The bill received votes of support from 206 Houserepresentatives and two of the 250 senators, while half of the current jointparliament is 367 (there are by-elections pending for vacant seats).

Four senators voted against the bill while 10 representatives and84 senators abstained. Nine representatives and 127 senators chose "novote".

The constitution requires a constitutional bill to have theapproval of at least one-third, 84, of the senate.

On March 17 night, House SpeakerChuan Leekpai ordered the parliament to go ahead with a vote on whether to passthe bill after an 11-hour debate. The move came after members of parliament and senators voted473:127 in favour of a motion put by deputy leader of the ruling PalangPracharath Party Paiboon Nititawan that parliament follow its agenda andvote./.

VNA