Bangkok:The opposition has agreed to reduce the interpellation period for the no-confidence debate to four days, permitting the Prime Minister to listen and participate online. The government has expressed its readiness to provide full explanations during the proceedings.
According to Thai News Agency, the decision to allocate four days for the debate was revealed by Mr. Piyarat Jongthep, a party-list MP from the People's Party and the opposition whip. The debate will be held under Section 151 against 18 individual ministers. Initially, the opposition requested 60 hours for the debate, but including clarification time from the government and the Speaker, it could extend to 70-80 hours. Mr. Jongthep noted that completing the debate in three days was impractical. The opposition remains flexible regarding the timing, considering November or December for the debate, and allows the Prime Minister to participate online during key moments.
Satit Wongnongteuy, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, mentioned that the opposition has accepted a four-day timeframe, amounting to approximately 48-50 hours, as proposed by House Speaker Sophon Saram. The Democrat Party plans to debate five ministers with 8-9 speakers, rotating speakers to fit each minister's schedule. They await a written response from the government on suitable dates and times. The Kla Tham Party's request for two hours of debate is subject to parliamentary regulations.
Thanagorn Wongboonkrongchana, a Bhumjaithai Party list MP, stated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and all ministers are prepared to provide explanations, emphasizing that they are not delaying the process. He pointed out that if the opposition had agreed to the four-day period earlier, the issue would have been resolved. With significant national events like the APEC 2026 summit, the 49th ASEAN summit, and the welcoming of the Chinese Prime Minister scheduled for the end of the year, the government must determine a suitable date and time for the debate. An agreement is anticipated to be reached eventually.