No representatives of students who took part in recent anti-government rallies appeared at a House panel meeting specifically called yesterday to hear their opinions.
The ad hoc House committee, chaired by Bhumjaithai Party MP Paradorn Prissananantakul, met to hear opinions from representatives of the university and high school students and other members of the public who took part in the recent rallies.
The committee met for the first time on July 31 to appoint executives and set a timetable to submit a report to parliament.
The meeting yesterday began at 10.30am. No representatives of the protesting students attended. Nor did anyone else appear to give their views.
A House panel official said he had sent a verbal invitation to the students to send representatives, via the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights centre. The centre had replied that it had no intention of submitting any opinions. As a result, the panel did not send a formal letter of invitation, the official said.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Paradorn said that having analysed several pro-democracy rallies the committee would submit its conclusions to House Speaker Chuan Leekpai on Aug 26. Its report would be put on the House agenda during the current parliamentary session.
In July, when the new round of protests began, MPs filed an urgent motion proposing the House of Representatives discuss the possibility of allowing the protesters to have their political opinions heard through parliament. The ad hoc committee was a result, but without a member from opposition parties as they had boycotted the committee, saying it was a government attempt to buy time and prolong their stay in power.
Rajini School yesterday issued a statement prohibiting political activities and disrespect against the monarchy at the school, threatening students with punishment.
The statement said Queen Saovabha Phongsri founded the school in 1904 to give education opportunities to Thai women, adding it was deeply grateful to the Chakri dynasty. It also said it will not protect students facing prosecution and parents disagreeing with this can take their children out.