Ritirong, a Bhumjaithai MP, posted to emphasize 'upholding the rules' is not 'silencing the voices of the people,' noting that all sides had time to debate before the House voted 414 to 2.
On 2 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Ritirong Phumisawat, an MP for Mahasarakham with the Bhumjaithai Party, posted on Facebook expressing his opinion about the debate on the draft Clean Air Management Act B.E. ... He stressed, "Do not interpret upholding the rules as silencing the people's voices."
Ritirong stated that today, nearly all MPs debated in the same direction, and ultimately the House of Representatives voted 414 to 2 against approving the Senate's amendments to the Clean Air Act draft. A joint committee was established to further consider the legislation.
He viewed the key issue not as anyone being 'silenced,' but that when all members are allocated speaking time, they must respect the time allotted to others as well.
He added that the role of the chairperson in meetings is to enforce rules equally. Allowing one member to exceed their time means another may lose their chance to speak.
"The voices of the people are important in every province, not just the voices represented by any one MP." Ritirong stated.
He reiterated that democracy must allow everyone to speak fully, but at the same time, debates must follow the same rules so all members are treated fairly and have equal opportunities to represent the people.
This issue arose during consideration of the Clean Air Act draft, where some MPs criticized the chair's control of debate time, fearing it limited full expression of public concerns, while others stressed the necessity of upholding meeting rules and time limits.