Quorum at risk as MPs quit

Seven more MPs have tendered their resignations, further increasing the risk of parliament axeing meetings due to a lack of quorum.

At a parliamentary meeting on Thursday, deputy parliament speaker Supachai Phosu said another seven MPs have quit, including Karun Hosakul, a Pheu Thai Party constituency MP for Bangkok; Apicha Lertpatcharakamol, a Bhumjaithai Party constituency MP for Nakhon Ratchasima; and Srisamorn Rassamirerk, a Democrat Party list MP.

The other four are Issara Sereewatthanawut, a Democrat Party list MP; Chaowalit Wichayasut, a Pheu Thai constituency MP for Nakhon Phanom; Niyom Wiwatthanaditthakul, a New Economic Party (NEP) list MP; and Benya Nanthakwang, an Action Coalition Party (ACP) list MP.

The session also acknowledged the replacements of four list MPs who resigned. They are Phichai Kajornruengroj from the NEP, Komin Theethanont from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), as well as Chamni Sakdiset and Surabot Leekpai, both from the Democrat Party.

The latest resignations have left the House of Representatives with 429 MPs in total, with the quorum set at 215.

Mr Surabot is to work at the parliament's secretariat office, succeeding Mr Issara, whose resignation took effect on Jan 20.

Mr Komin has filled the vacancy left by Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, who quit as a list MP of the PPRP. Mr Thanakorn, however, retains his post of Prime Minister's Office minister.

Ms Benya, who is supposed to replace Khetrat Laothamthat, a former ACP list MP, has also submitted her resignation letter, causing the party to look further down its list of MP candidates for a successor.

The dwindling number of MPs has rendered parliament dysfunctional with a frequent lack of quorum.

Ubonsak Bualuangngam, a Pheu Thai MP for Lop Buri, said the lack of quorum has caused many parliamentary meetings to be adjourned, with ten motions going unanswered on Thursday alone.