Joint session to discuss new House

Apiwan said he would discuss the matter with House Speaker Chai Chidchob next week to set a tentative date for the joint session.

"MPs and senators should get a full explanation for every issue relating to the new Parliament," he said.

Apiwan was reacting to a query raised from the floor by Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai.

Boonyod said he received many complaints from Kiak Kai residents confused about the government plans to relocate them in order to prepare the construction site.

Meanwhile, Senator Sai Kangkawekin said many fellow law¬makers opposed the massive outlay for the new Parliament in light of the slow economy.

"I find no justification for the prime minister and the House speaker to rush to relocate the Parliament," he said.

Sai claimed the present site was adequate for lawmakers because Bt800 million was earmarked recent¬ly to build a carpark nearby at Dusit Zoo, which could help relieve traffic congestion around Parliament.

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha said although he agreed with the choice of the riverfront plot at Kiak Kai, he questioned plans to spend Bt4 billion on the relocation.