Senator Phisit revealed that the Senate has set the date to debate the 2027 budget bill, expecting to finish in one day. He expressed confidence that the opposition's forum will not affect the Election Commission's decision to file charges in the senator vote-rigging case. He remains optimistic that the 138 senators will continue to perform their duties normally.
On 9 Sep 2026 at the Parliament, Mr. Phisit Apiwatnapong, spokesperson for the Senate Affairs Committee, announced the schedule for considering the 2027 annual budget bill. The Senate has set a two-day window, 10-11 Sep, depending on the House of Representatives' progress. If the House finishes by 9 Sep, the Senate will start on 10 Sep; otherwise, it will convene on 11 Sep. It is expected the budget bill will be completed since 46 senators have signed up to debate, each allocated 8 minutes, as confirmed by the Senate President.
The sessions on 14-15 Sep will review six bills approved by the House, including the Ministry of Defence Administration Act, which concerns the Permanent Secretary responsible for reform plans and the ministry's efficiency, excluding the Royal Guard Department, Security Command Units, and commanders of these units from the act. Amendments also cover disqualification of expert defense council members in cases of bankruptcy. Another bill is the Military Court Constitution Act, which abolishes military district courts and allows victims outside military jurisdiction to file criminal lawsuits themselves, permits appeal of military court verdicts outside normal hours during martial law declarations, except for cases involving highest national security concerns.
When asked whether the upcoming week's meeting coinciding with the Election Commission's review of the vote-rigging case involving all 138 senators would affect their ability to continue their duties, Mr. Phisit said the outcome is unknown. If the Election Commission announces the list, it will be forwarded to the Supreme Court, which if it accepts the case, the involved senators must legally suspend their duties immediately. The Senate whip meeting has not discussed this as the exact number involved is unclear. When pressed about whether he believes the opposition's forum would influence the Election Commission's decision, Mr. Phisit said he believes it will not sway the commission toward any group, as the commission will decide based on rules, principles, reasons, and legal frameworks regarding each individual's offenses.