The parliament chamber was thrown into chaos yesterday when the opposition demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as to why she had failed to attend last Wednesday's House meeting.
House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont told the meeting a question filed by Democrat MP for Samut Songkhram Rangsima Rodrasamee for Ms Yingluck did not meet the House's criteria because it concerned a personal matter.
The prime minister was also away yesterday on an upcountry tour inspecting flood prevention work, Mr Somsak said.
Ms Rangsima argued that her purpose for filing the interpellation was to ask about the "function" which the prime minister supposedly attended at the Four Seasons Hotel when she should have been present for a House meeting.
Ms Yingluck visited the hotel on Ratchadamri Road for about two hours, leaving around 4pm.
Ekkayuth Anchanbutr, a real estate businessman, has claimed he was assaulted by a person with a possible connection to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Ms Yingluck's elder brother, at the Four Seasons shortly after Ms Yingluck left the hotel.
Ms Yingluck has insisted she did nothing irregular during the hotel visit, but declined to go into detail.
Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said since the interpellation was directed at the prime minister and it was about her function, she should answer it.
Deputy House Speaker Wisut Chainaroon objected, saying the question really concerned a personal matter and so was prohibited from debate under House regulations.
The deputy speaker gave Ms Rangsima an ultimatum to allow the PM's representative to answer the interpellation. Otherwise, it could be dismissed.
Arguments instantly erupted between government and opposition MPs.
Mr Somsak asked Ms Rangsima to leave the chamber. She refused.
The House Speaker instructed police officers to escort her out, which only intensfiied the scrapping between MPs and spurred a walkout by the opposition.
Mr Somsak ordered a break at 12.50pm and about an hour later declared the meeting closed, saying the MPs had spent enough time discussing matters.