Sinking of bill bodes illFollowing the fierce showdown between the opposition bloc and the governing coalition, which had the backing of the pro-military Senate, parliament on Wednesday night sank the charter amendment bill -- a move that bodes ill for the country's return to democracy. The bill was dropped as, with 208 "yes" votes, it failed to garner support from at least half of parliament. The sinking of the bill came as no surprise. The sinking of the bill may be deemed as a convenient triumph for Prime Minister Prayut and the PPRP in that it could secure another term for the army-chief-turned-premier. Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul tried to downplay the rift but whether it can be mended remains to be seen.

Source: Bangkok Post March 18, 2021 23:15 UTC