Opposition MP Criticizes Government for Refusing to Schedule Impeachment Debate Amidst Constitutional Concerns

Key summary

Sasitip Wong-Nong-Toey, a member of the opposition coalition and deputy head of the Democrat Party, criticized the government for setting restrictive conditions on the impeachment debate. He stated that after 31 years in parliament, he has never seen a government impose such heavy conditions to avoid the debate, noting that even during Thaksin Shinawatra's administration in 2005, no such procedural hurdles existed. Sasitip argued that while the government claims lack of time due to ministerial duties and travel, this excuse is unacceptable under democratic principles where the executive must accept legislative oversight. He highlighted that the government offered a three-day window at the end of October, which opposition leaders found insufficient given the 365-day parliamentary year. Sasitip suggested that if the debate cannot occur by late December, the parties could negotiate a four-day debate period plus one day for voting, potentially including weekends or accommodating individual ministerial absences. He pointed out that the government could have scheduled the debate during November after the APEC summit in China but did not. Meanwhile, government sources, including Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and MP Romsadom Khananurak, stated that finding a new date is difficult due to ministerial commitments and suggested next week might be suitable, leaving the Speaker of the House to decide on the final date. The opposition coalition remains firm that the debate must happen this session before the December 22 adjournment, while government allies claim there are no undercurrents threatening the ruling coalition.