Parliament needs to take action against wayward politicians whose absence has been blamed for a lack of quorum resulting in more than a few meeting collapses.
At least four House sessions have closed since the House was reconvened on Nov 1 after it was found the number of MPs was not enough to carry on.
Deputy House Speaker Suchart Tancharoen, realising there were too few MPs and a possible lack of quorum, called off some sessions before counting in order to avoid embarrassment.
Altogether 12 sessions have been called off in parliament over the course of two years.
With such misbehaviour, some crucial laws, like a bill on witness protection in criminal cases and a session on water basin management proposals, were put on hold.
It's also known that some MPs cunningly signed their names in the morning, only to disappear later.
There were cases of politicians leaving their MP cards with their colleagues so they could vote in absentia -- an unlawful act that can cost them their prestigious status.
Initially, the government tried to put the blame on the opposition for such reckless mishaps, alleging they were attempting to undermine the government's stability.
But it turns out that several MPs with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) have also failed to turn up and perform their duty.
In particular, the session collapse on Nov 3 involved a challenge by some MPs in the ruling party against new chief government whip Nirote Sunthornlekha who took the baton from Nakhon Ratchasima MP Wirach Ratanasate after he was suspended over a graft case.
Some reports say Mr Nirote, who is still new to his job as chief whip, and short of negotiating tactics, has been struggling to win the acceptance of his colleagues in the ruling party as well as those in the opposition.
Other MPs have claimed they have been too busy meeting their constituents and could not make it to House sessions, especially those that take place on Friday. A woeful excuse.
Such disappearances also affect House panel meetings. A number of MPs signed their names and walked out, leaving the meetings in disarray.
In doing so, they could still enjoy the meeting per diem, without performing. Some could also use such absences as a way of increasing their bargaining power.
It all shows a lousy attitude, a lack of responsibility that can't be tolerated any longer.
Given the MPs' high salary (113,560 baht per month) and benefits, they are falling way short of expectations.
Parliament is obliged to come up with strong measures to fix the problem and force wayward politicians to improve, to save the House from further shame. Some critics have called for a House dissolution as a way to kick out reckless politicians.
One immediate penalty for those disappearing from House sessions is to take back their meeting allowances.
Section 1021 of the constitution obliges MPs to regularly attend House sessions. Their absence must not exceed one-fourth of the total meeting days, without House Speaker approval. It's time every party takes this clause seriously.
There should be no compromises.
In between, parliament should consider releasing the names of the irresponsible MPs to the public, so constituents can see the true colours of their representatives.
When the next election comes, they can send a message at the ballot box which shows they will not give these MPs another chance.
