Cabinet to hold parliamentary debate on Nasa's request
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The Cabinet agreed Tuesday to hold a parliamentary debate on the Nasa's request to use U-Tapao but the debate will be held without any voting taking place, a government spokesman said.
Deputy Government Spokesman Chalitrat Chantharubeksa said the debate will be held in line with Article 179.
Article 179 allows the government to hold a joint sitting of MPs and senators to seek consultation from parliament on any issue without voting.
The issue will be put on agenda once the next parliamentary session is open, the spokesman said.
The next parliamentary session will begin in August but Nasa wants to begin the research at the beginning of the month.
On Monday, US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenny told Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul that the Thai government would have to say yes by the end of this month in time for Nasa to make preparations for the start of the project in August.
Government leaders, including Science Minister Plodprasop Suraswadee and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, have insisted the issue is purely about scientific research and has no bearing on security affairs.
But critics, including Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, have voiced their concerns on possible security impacts because the research would take place at the air base, seen as a strategic location for the region.
The government and its critics have locked horns over whether the issue should be debated in Parliament due to security implications as per Article 190 of the Constitution.
