House debate continues despite PM's no-show

The senators said the debate would continue as planned even though Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej hinted he might not show up for it.

However, some senators still expressed hope the premier would appear for the Upper House debate.

"It's the senators' right according to the Constitution, and it's the government's duty to offer explanations. We are waiting for an official reply from the prime minister. We are still confident that he will come," said Phetchaburi Senator Sumon Sutawiriyawat.

Pornphan Bunyarataphan, an appointed senator, said she believed the government would offer an explanation to the senators' queries.

"We are trying to address people's sufferings, we are not creating trouble. The Constitution allows us and there are no reasons why the government should reject our good intentions," she said.

Paiboon Nititawan, another appointed senator, said if the prime minister made it clear he would not show up for the debate, the 61 senators would on Thursday meet to discuss further action.

According to Article 161 of the Constitution, onethird of the 150 senators have the right to submit a motion for a general debate in which ministers are expected to provide factual information or explain important problems in connection with the administration of state affairs without a resolution to be passed.

The motion for the general debate under this section may only be submitted once in each session.