Suthep brushes off House dissolution rumor on MPs ratio row

BANGKOK, 22 January 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has downplayed a House dissolution rumor amid the prevailing row about the ratio of constituency and party listed MPs in the charter amendment.

Speaking in his capacity as the government coordinator, Mr Suthep confirmed that no one had ever threatened the coalition parties that the ruling Democrat Party would dissolve the House if they refused to vote for the MPs ratio of 375: 125.

The deputy prime minister, also the Democrat secretary-general, stressed that his party would never do such a thing. He said the ruling party and its coalition partners would always discuss whenever they face with a problem, and the government would stick with the will of the majority.

The ruling Democrat Party is supporting the MPs ratio of 375: 125 following the proposal of the charter reform study panel chaired by Prof Dr Sombat Thamrongthanyawong. However, coalition parties are going for other options of 400: 100 and 400: 125.

Meanwhile, Ex-Prime Minister and Chart Thai Pattana Chief Advisor Banharn Silapa-archa deemed the 400: 125 ratio a very compromising one; nevertheless, he stated that his party would support the 400: 100 ratio although the ruling Democrat Party would back the 375: 125 formula firmly.