Senate speaker Pornpetch Wikchitcholchai has rejected the seven-party opposition bloc’s demand for the House of Representatives to examine the selection process of 250 senators, on the grounds that the House has no right to do so.

Instead, he suggested that the Pheu Thai-led Opposition raise the issue with the Constitutional Court which, he said, is the right body to rule on the matter.

In the motion, submitted to House of Representatives, the opposition questioned the legitimacy of the 250 senators and sought a debate on the issue of regulations regarding the selection of the senators, the selection process, conflicts of interest and the 1.3 billion baht spent.

On the 1.3 billion baht expenditure, Mr. Pornpetch suggested that the Opposition seek an explanation from the Election Commission, which was responsible for the senatorial candidacy registration and selection process.

Pheu Thai MP representing the northeastern province of Maha Sarakham, Mr. Suthin Klangsaeng, one of the opposition MPs who seconded the motion, responded saying that the opposition does not intend to question the qualifications of the senators, but question the junta’s use of its authority in the selections.

He added, however, that it is a decision for House speaker Chuan Leekpai whether to allow a debate of the matter in the House of Representatives.