Thai Opposition Leader Says Parliament Ready for Four-Day Debate on Government Vote of No Confidence in November

Key summary

Rassimant Rom, deputy head of the People's Party and a list-member MP, stated that the opposition is prepared to proceed with a general debate under Section 151 of the 2017 Constitution to vote no confidence in individual ministers. He confirmed an agreement with Sophon Sarun, Speaker of the House of Representatives, on a framework where the government requests four days for the debate and the opposition agrees within that timeframe. The initial plan involves managing hours through party whips, with potential variables including the Palad Party requesting time. Rom indicated that while the debate would likely span four days, the vote would occur on the following day, a schedule the opposition does not object to. He noted that if the government finds a suitable date in November, the opposition is willing to wait, though they prefer an earlier timeline. Rom asserted that evidence for the proceedings is ready and criticized the current state of law enforcement, citing cases involving Phawut Phongwitthiphanu, Ms. Suchada Sang Thanap (MP for Chaiyaphum, Palad Party), and Mr. Chanonpat Na Kuea (MP for Songkhla, Palad Party) as examples of inconsistent application of justice by the Ministry of Justice. He expressed concern that civil servants might assist the government in violating laws to the detriment of the country.