Thailand's new Senate speaker promises to be neutral

BANGKOK, August 24 (TNA) - After receiving a royal command appointing him as Thailand's 16th Senate speaker on Friday, Nikhom Wairatpanich promised to restructure the work of the Thai Parliament, be neutral and convene additional Senate meetings every Tuesday afternoon. At an official ceremony to receive the royal command, Nikhom paid homage to the statue of Thailand's King Rama VII and the images of holy spirits at the Thai Parliament compound and then told reporters that he is now ready to work, realize his visions, prove his impartiality and adherence to the rule of laws and support the work of Senate committees. Nikhom also promised to improve the efficiency of parliamentary officials, restructure their organization and reduce the duplication of resources of Thailand's Senate and House of Representatives. The new Thai Senate Speaker, meanwhile, assured that he would also be neutral in the impeachment of former Democrat deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, claiming that he had earlier handled the impeachment of former Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama without any prejudice. The Thai Senate is scheduled to consider the issue on August 27. (TNA)