At 9:30 AM on June 17 at Parliament, Bangkok MP Rakchanok Srinok of the People’s Party criticized the closed-door meeting held by the House special committee reviewing the 2026 national budget bill. The meeting, held on June 16, reaffirmed a previous resolution banning live broadcasts of committee sessions. Rakchanok argued strongly in favor of transparency, asserting that livestreaming would enhance Thailand’s corruption index and align with practices in developed democracies.
She dismissed all reasons offered for secrecy, noting that any truly sensitive issue could be addressed in a closed session, as authorized by the committee chair. If content control is a concern, she suggested the Parliament’s official channels should host the livestreams to ensure full context is preserved.
Addressing concerns that livestreaming would intimidate civil servants, she argued it is better to have ministers explain budget matters directly — not only to shield civil servants but also to demonstrate accountability. She added, “If you’re afraid of being criticized, then don’t say ignorant things. Do your homework.”
Rakchanok also addressed fears about clips being edited out of context, calling for the release of full, unedited footage. She criticized MP Phai Lik of the Kla Tham Party, who opposes broadcasting, questioning the rationale behind his election and urging voters to speak up.
Responding to comments from other committee members, including Wisarn Techathirawat (Pheu Thai), who cited past experience with edited clips, and Teerachai Saenkaew (also Pheu Thai), who noted the difference between Bangkok and rural MPs, she said: “If you're this worried about your image, maybe you shouldn’t be in politics. If you don’t want to be accountable, resign. You’re just holding this country back.”
Rakchanok ended with a message to the public: “We are debating a 3.8 trillion baht budget. Why do we fight to make this public? Because it’s your money. Yesterday I was so angry I was trembling — and told not to cry. But if you're too scared to be held accountable, then you shouldn’t be an MP or minister.”