Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
National

Prayut downplays Bhumjaithai threat to quit govt

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) listens to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (right) at a press conference at Government House, Bangkok, on Feb 11, 2022. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu, Bangkok Post)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has brushed aside a Bhumjaithai member's threat that the party will leave the coalition, if the government refuses to support the bill promoting cannabis as a cash crop.

Gen Prayut said on Monday that the government is doing everything in its power to have the bill debated in parliament.

"We're taking all the necessary steps to push the bill through. If the government did not support the bill, it wouldn't be where it is now," the prime minister said.

The bill initiated by Bhumjaithai will see the cannabis plant recognised as a cash crop with medicinal and economic benefits.

Two weeks ago, House Speaker Chuan Leekpai said that the bill must be endorsed by the prime minister before it can be deliberated in parliament, since it contains clauses that concern state finances.

Related: 

At a forum on the development of cannabis-based products in Nakhon Phanom province on Sunday, Deputy House Speaker Bh, who is a prominent Bhumjaithai member, said his party will withdraw from the coalition, if the government refuses to back the bill. 

When asked to respond to Mr Supachai's threat, Gen Prayut said, "Who was that threat meant for? Me?", before saying people should "take it easy" on the political talk.

Public Health Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said he had no problem with Mr Supachai's comment but noted that it may have gone overboard.

Mr Anutin said Mr Supachai's remark does not reflect the party's stance.

"No one should be too concerned about the bill," said Mr Anutin.

The legislation got off to a fine start as many MPs from the both the government and opposition blocs had pledged to support it, he added.

Bhumjaithai Party member Supachai Phosu (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill, Bangkok Post)
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.