Opposition calls on PM to explain incomplete oath

>>The Pheu Thai-led opposition bloc is seeking to grill Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha over his alleged failure to recite the full text of an oath during the swearing-in ceremony.

Pheu Thai MP for Maha Sarakham Suthin Khlangsaeng said yesterday the opposition will ask the prime minister to provide an explanation on the issue at a meeting of the House next week.

Mr Suthin said the opposition is considering two options: whether to ask the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission to rule on the issue or whether to wait for Gen Prayut to take responsibility for himself by repeating the oath-taking or resigning.

But if Gen Prayut cannot clear doubts, the opposition may table a no-confidence motion against the government, Mr Suthin said.

Future Forward Party (FFP) secretary-general and list-MP Piyabutr Saengkanokkul brought the matter to light during the recent parliamentary debate on the government’s policy manifesto.

According to the opposition MP, Gen Prayut, who led the cabinet in the swearing-in ceremony on July 16 prior to taking office, did not vow to protect and abide by the constitution, which is the final paragraph in Section 161 of the charter. Questions are being raised as to whether the cabinet is legitimate and can perform its duty.

Meanwhile, Mr Piyabutr said the opposition bloc will today kick off a campaign to marshal public support for its push for constitutional amendments. He said the opposition seeks to amend the constitution to set up a drafting assembly to draw up a new one, modelled on the previous 1997 constitution.

Mr Piyabutr admitted the current constitution makes it difficult for amendments.

The fact that the 250 senators were appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order poses a major hurdle to the charter change bid, he said.