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MPs Kicking Up a Fuss in Thai Parliament

Two members of the Thai parliament are having a disagreement which is requiring the government whip to set up a special seven-member panel of inquiry. Democrat party MP Somkiat Pongpaiboon alleges that he was assaulted by people Power (PPP) MP Karun Hosakul. Mr. Somkiat claims the he was kicked by Mr. Karun on Wednesday in parliament. Mr. Karun denies kicking Mr. Somkiat. When the government was unable to ascertain the facts in the case, it was decided to set up a panel to see if the disagreement could be resolved and the facts revealed. The investigative panel is to be chaired by Apiwan Wiriyachai, the Deputy Speaker of the Lower house. The panel will be comprised of members of both parties. The investigation is expected to last at least 15 days. Tensions are high between the parties as the PPP is considered to be the party in support of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while the Democrat party is seen as supporting the makers of the coup of September 19, 2006. The PPP won a resounding victory is recent polling and is now moving to amend the charter of the Thai constitution. A move some suggest will make it impossible to prosecute Mr. Thaksin. Mr Thaksin is being investigated by the Assets Scrutiny committee which would be unable to continue pressing charges against him if the charter is amended. In a counter move, the Democrat party is threatening impeachment against PPP members who vote for the amendments. If Mr. Karun is found to have kicked Mr. Somkiat, he will face disciplinary punishment to be determined by the two party committee.

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