Coalition confident Clean Air Act will meet May 12 deadline; declines to have PM respond to opposition inquiries
Thailand's coalition government expressed confidence that the Clean Air Act bill will be approved by the May 12 deadline, with coalition leader Raveeri Perisananunkul dismissing opposition concerns about automatic rejection if delays occur. The statement comes as the opposition has threatened to summon the cabinet secretary if the bill isn't approved by May 5, and plans to submit parliamentary questions challenging the government's legislative progress.
On April 4, 2569 at 13:25, Raveeri Perisananunkul, Ang Thong MP and Bhumjaithai Party member serving as coalition leader, addressed the certification of cabinet-approved legislation, specifically the Clean Air Act. The coalition has coordinated with the cabinet on law confirmation and believes the cabinet will conduct comprehensive consideration and submit the bill within the set deadline, expected to occur before May 12, which is the deadline.
Regarding opposition MP Prit Watcharasindu's statement that if the government doesn't approve the bill by May 5, he will invite the cabinet secretary to explain in the opposition why the law failed, Raveeri expressed confidence that there's no cause for concern. He stated clarification would come next week when the cabinet meets to determine its stance, as there are multiple bills under review, most of which are expected to receive cabinet approval. Whether approval comes on May 5 or May 12 remains within the cabinet's authority.
Concerning the opposition's plan to submit parliamentary questions for the prime minister this week, Raveeri noted it follows parliamentary rules and that coordination occurs weekly with the cabinet. He reiterated the coalition's commitment to collaboration and urged the opposition to specify their questions in advance so relevant ministers can respond directly, expressing that putting politics aside and prioritizing public welfare would enable progress.
When asked about the likelihood of the prime minister responding to opposition questions rather than only government-sponsored ones, Raveeri said it depends on the prime minister's schedule each week. Regarding today's Bhumjaithai Party parliamentary meeting agenda, he explained it concerns preparation for parliamentary proceedings this week, including which motions will be submitted and live parliamentary questions, which this week will be from the Bhumjaithai Party.