With AEC coming, what others are doing in the Parliament
Play
Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanich said Senate committees had organised seminars on Asean-related issues. Senators will review Thai laws that need to be changed, educate the civic sector about the coming changes, and stimulate the government to prepare the
“Languages might be our weakness. We have to learn official and local languages,” Nikom said.
The Thai Senate has also strengthened relationships with legislators of the other countries via activities including those of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and mutual visits by committees, Nikom said.
Suwichag Nakwatcharachai, secretary-general of the House of Representatives, said English-language training had been given parliamentary officials.
A preliminary test showed that among 1,909 staff members, more than 60 per cent had English skills at a beginner’s level. However, training for higher levels includes technical terms related to parliamentary work so staff can understand what counterparts from other countries say in meetings, he said.
“We have three years – I think in three years we can develop our human resources to understand the ideology of Asean, which stresses connectivity and unity, and have good English ability. We are grouping what to do for our staff on various categories of work. Finally, they have to well be able to support the work of Parliament and MPs,” he said.
Thai parliamentarians also meet with the Asean Inter Parliamentary Assembly, as well as international counterparts in bilateral meetings and visits, he said.
