Thailand: House passes royal security decree in face of FFP opposition

• The House of Representatives on 17 Oct 19 passed an executive decree on the partial transfer of army units, and budget, to a royal security command unit, in the face of strong opposition from the Future Forward Party (FFP).
• The House passed the executive decree by 374-70 votes.
• The FFP argued that use of an executive decree for a “non-urgent” matter showed a problem of the cabinet misusing its power in violation of the constitution.
• The decree provides for the transfer of some of the manpower and budget allocation of the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Ratcha Wallop Royal Guards and the 11th Infantry Regiment of the Ratcha Wallop Royal Guards to the royal security command unit.
• The unit is tasked with planning, directing, coordinating and supervising operations which provide security and guard Their Majesties the King and Queen, the heir to the throne, royal family members, royal representatives, people acting at the command of the King, and royal guests.
• There were 446 MPs present in the House for the vote on 17 Oct 19. The 70 MPs who voted against the decree are members of the 81-strong opposition Future Forward Party. Two MPs abstained — FFP MP for Chiang Mai Srinuan Boonlue and government MP Pol Maj Gen Surin Palare of the Democrat Party.
• Three FFP MPs voted for the decree — Chon Buri MP Kawinnart Takee and Chanthaburi MPs Jaruek Sri-on and Pol Lt Col Thanaphat Kittiwongsa.

External Link : https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1774084/house-passes-royal-security-decree-in-face-of-ffp-opposition