The no-confidence debate aimed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to proceed on March 24, following an agreement from the opposition People’s Party (PP) to refrain from naming former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during the discussions.
This decision emerged during a meeting between government and opposition whips, attended by Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. After the meeting, Natthaphong confirmed that the debate would occur as planned, with the censure motion revised to omit any direct mention of Thaksin’s name.
Natthaphong indicated that the opposition would refer to Thaksin indirectly during the debate. “I believe he remains a significant public figure. If he wishes to clarify his position, the media will provide a platform for him. There is no requirement for him to address the parliament,” he remarked.
Furthermore, the opposition has requested 30 hours to question Ms. Paetongtarn, which has faced resistance from government whips. Another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to finalize the debate’s timing.
Sources suggest the government aims to confine the debate to two days, followed by an additional day for a confidence vote, allowing the Prime Minister adequate time to respond to the opposition.
President Wan has cautioned that any references to individuals outside the assembly would jeopardize the scheduling of the censure debate. He has reiterated the demand for the exclusion of references to Ms. Paetongtarn’s father from the motion, advising that naming Thaksin directly would breach parliamentary regulations and could result in defamation lawsuits against lawmakers.
Despite this, the opposition has formally contested the request to exclude Thaksin’s name, according to Arpath Sukhanunth, secretary-general of the House of Representatives. Historical precedents show that previous censure motions have not directed named individuals, though terms like “family members” or “former members” have been employed.
At Government House, Ms. Paetongtarn shared her expectation that the opposition may refer to her father as “that man” during the upcoming debate. The no-confidence motion, submitted to the parliament president on February 27, accuses the Prime Minister of inadequate leadership and allegations of her father influencing government decisions.
In response, she expressed her readiness to engage in the debate and confirmed that ministers would be available to address any inquiries relevant to them. Ms. Paetongtarn conveyed confidence in the coalition government’s ability to withstand the censure motion, emphasizing the unity and strength of the coalition.
