Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has revealed that Bhumjaithai party leader has offered her an apology for comments made yesterday, in parliament, by the party's secretary-general, Chaichanok Chidchob, regarding the draft entertainment complex bill.
Anutin Charnvirakul said Chaichanok might have had a slip of the tongue.
“Khun Anutin said Bhumjaithai is part of the government coalition, so Chaichanok is required to comply with party resolutions,” the prime minister said.
Chaichanok told the House yesterday that he, as Bhumjaithai’s secretary-general, does not support the Pheu Thai-sponsored entertainment complex bill, arguing that the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as the collapse of the Chatuchak building and climate change.
He began his speech by saying, “Maybe not so many people know a country boy from Buri Ram province like me. I’m the son of Newin and Karuna Chidchob.” Newin has long been a behind-the-scenes figure influencing Bhumjaithai’s key decisions.
Chaichanok’s speech came just one day after the prime minister deferred the House’s first reading of the controversial draft entertainment complex bill, often called the “casino bill”. Paetongtarn’s decision came amid growing opposition from various civil networks and religious institutions.
Anutin claimed yesterday that he had been upcountry when Chaichanok made the statement in parliament. He said he rushed back to explain what Chaichanok really meant and to speak to the prime minister about the matter.
Anutin told the media that Khun Chaichanok was expressing his personal opinion as an MP and did not represent the party’s official stance, adding “however as a Bhumjaithai member and secretary-general, he is required to follow the party’s decisions.”
He also said Chaichanok had not obtained the party's approval before speaking in parliament, as required. Even if he wanted to share personal views, he should have sought permission first.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai appeared visibly disappointed today with Chaichanok’s remarks, adding “I’m not sure who the party leader is. Anutin or Chaichanok?”
He reminded Chaichanok that coalition party leaders had all agreed to support the entertainment complex bill and said that he is unsure what message Chaichanok was actually trying to convey, noting that a party secretary-general should exercise more discretion and political maturity.
He insisted that the entertainment complex project would be focused on family-oriented attractions and is not solely about the casino.
As for the Prachachart Party’s disapproval of the casino element, due to religious beliefs, Phumtham, a key Pheu Thai figure, reminded them that they had supported the project from the beginning.
