House session collapses for a second consecutive day

The Wednesday's agenda was the deliberation of amendments to the anti-money laundering law. But it was cut short before casting votes following the check for quorum.

The session reconvened this morning at 11.00 am and only 188 of 470 MPs were present. This prompted House Speaker Chai Chidchob to postpone the vote to the afternoon.

At 12.35 pm, Chai again tried to call the meeting but found 205 MPs were present.

Following a brief break, a roll call was conducted and 218 MPs were at the chambers although 375 had signed their names reporting to work.

Coalition MPs blamed opposition Democrats for staging a walk-out to oppose the roll call and attributed this to the collapse of the session.

The opposition lawmakers countered that they have 164 seats which would not make a difference in the quorum if their coalition counterparts attended in full force.

More than 40 MPs from People Power and Puea Pandin parties who expressed disappointment at the Cabinet line-up reported to work but refused to step into the chambers to cast votes.