Speaker seeks King's advice on relocation

"I was born under the reign of His Majesty and will ask for royal advice about this important matter for the country," Yongyuth said yesterday, while insisting he would not do anything to offend the monarchy.

He said he would next week consult with the Royal Household Bureau about his idea of seeking royal advice and would ask all parties to prepare for an audience with His Majesty.

In the meantime, Yongyuth will gather the studies on the pros and cons of different proposed locations.

Earlier, Yongyuth said he would consult with authorities to determine whether the appointment of MPs as government whips violated a constitutional ban against lawmakers holding executive office.

"I think the Government Administration Act is the basis to determine whether government whips are an executive position," he said.

Yongyuth said he would proceed on the issue with caution in order to comply with the 2007 Constitution, adding he did not anticipate any problem in regard to the appointment of opposition whips.

Meanwhile, the coalition Chart Thai Party also appeared to be concerned about the constitutional clause.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa instructed the party's Cabinet members to refrain from appointing MPs as their secretaries or advisers in order to avoid possible violation of the provision, a party source said.

The government has sought consultation with the Council of State, the government's legal advisory arm, about the matter.

The Nation