Anutin denies claim of 'blue takeover'

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied that his Bhumjaithai-led government is seeking to extend its influence over parliament, amid criticism of proposed changes to House regulations governing parliamentary committees.

Speaking at Government House on Thursday, Mr Anutin said the government was acting within the constitution and its mandate from voters.

He was responding to criticism of new parliamentary regulations issued by House Speaker Sophon Zarum, requiring committees to approve by majority vote invitations for individuals to provide information.

Asked whether ministers and officials would attend committee hearings if invited, Mr Anutin said they would comply with the law and constitution, adding that committee procedures were already governed by constitutional laws.

He also denied that the new rules were linked to a request by People's Party MP Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and National Reform, for him to testify about alleged irregularities in local government recruitment examinations.

Mr Anutin also rejected allegations of a "blue takeover", a reference to Bhumjaithai's political colour and claims that the party was seeking to dominate state institutions.

"We are serving as a government under the constitution," he said.

He also denied describing Thai politics as negative in a speech at the Nov 4 "Reinvent Thailand" event, saying he had merely called for improvements to the political system.

Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai has proposed further amendments to House regulations that would significantly change how parliamentary committees operate.

Under the proposals, invitations for individuals and requests for documents would require approval from at least half of all committee members. Requests involving state officials would also have to be communicated to the prime minister or the minister overseeing the relevant agency.

The amendments would replace the existing allocation of committee chairmanships based on parties' representation in the House with a voting system.

They would also require majority approval for live broadcasts of committee meetings and allow the prime minister or ministers, in certain circumstances, to delegate answers to parliamentary questions to other cabinet members.