8
refuse to reply if he or she is of the opinion that the matter should not yet be disclosed
on the grounds of security or vital interest of the State or of the opinion that such
interpellation is prohibited under the rules of procedure, in this case the National
Legislative Assembly may issue a rule of procedure to prescribe a quorum which differs
from the prescription under section 13 paragraph one.
If there is an important problem, no less than one-third of the members
of the National Legislative Assembly may introduce a motion to interrogate for the
facts thereon from the Council of Ministers, but votes of confidence or
no-confidence shall not be made.
Section 17. In the case where there is an important problem
concerning the administration of State affairs, in respect of which the Council of
Ministers deems it advisable to take the opinions of members of the National
Legislative Assembly, the Prime Minister may give notice to the President of the
National Legislative Assembly, requesting that a general debate be held at a sitting of
the National Legislative Assembly, but the National Legislative Assembly shall not pass
a resolution on the issue put to debate.
Section 18. At a sitting of the National Legislative Assembly, words
expressed in giving statements of facts or opinions or casting of votes by any member
are absolutely privileged, and shall not be used as grounds for bringing a charge or
action against such person in any manner whatsoever.
The privilege under paragraph one shall extend to the members of the
Committees of the National Legislative Assembly, persons who print or publish the
minutes in accordance with the order of the National Legislative Assembly or the
Committee, persons who are permitted by the presiding member to give statements
of facts or opinions at such a sitting of the National Legislative Assembly, as well as
persons who broadcast a sitting of the National Legislative Assembly on radio,
television or any other mean permitted by the President of the National Legislative
Assembly, but shall not extend to a member of the National Legislative Assembly who
expresses words at a sitting broadcasted on radio, television or any other mean if such
words appear outside the precinct of the National Legislative Assembly and such words
constitute a criminal offence or a wrongful act against any other person who is not a
Minister or a member of the National Legislative Assembly.
DISCLAIMER: TRANSLATED BY THE LEGAL OPINION AND TRANSLATION SECTION OF THE FOREIGN LAW BUREAU FOR
EDUCATIONAL/COMPREHENSION PURPOSES AND CONTAINS NO LEGAL AUTHORITY. THE OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL
OF STATE SHALL ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY LIABILITIES ARISING FROM THE USE AND/OR REFERENCE OF
THIS TEXT. THE ORIGINAL THAI TEXT AS FORMALLY ADOPTED AND PUBLISHED SHALL IN ALL EVENTS REMAIN THE
SOLE AUTHORITY HAVING LEGAL FORCE.