Ministers told not to skip House meetings

Deputy Parliament President Charoen Jankomol has asked that all Cabinet members - in particular Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra - attend House meetings and answer MPs' queries.

Charoen, who is from the premier's Pheu Thai Party, said he had talked to party leader Charupong Ruangsuwan, who would raise the issue at a party meeting on Tuesday.

"Under the democratic system, it is the duty of the Legislative Branch to examine the work of the Administrative Branch. I ask only that [the Cabinet members] come to answer the queries on Thursdays. I have asked the government while dealing with pressure from political parties, especially when they mobilise the public for support, not to schedule anything on that day except receiving foreign guests, trips abroad or having an audience [with HM the King]."

He said there were no regulations to force the Cabinet members to heed the request, but said they should realise the roles of all parties in the democratic system of checks-and-balances.