BANGKOK – Six opposition parties have submitted a no-confidence motion against six cabinet ministers with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chuan Leekpai. The opposition camp expressed confidence in the information to be presented at the censure debate, while dates will be decided by both coalition and opposition parties.
Opposition leader Sompong Amornwiwat led members of parliament (MPs) of the six opposition parties to file the no-confidence motion with the House Speaker. Mr. Sompong said that there were reports that nine ministers will be targeted for censure, but the opposition plans to grill six ministers. They include Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha; the Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan; the Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngam; the Interior Minister, Gen. Anupong Paojinda; the Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai; and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Capt. Thammanat Prompao.
Mr. Sompong said the opposition had looked into information on the six ministers, and there was no talk about seeking their removal. The censure debate is expected to take three to four days and will involve 20 to 30 speakers. The opposition and the government will discuss these issues again. The debate is not aimed at toppling the government, since the opposition has fewer seats. The opposition wants to present information to the people, so they can decide for themselves.
Mr. Sompong said he was informed that the New Economics Party had withdrawn itself from the opposition this morning, but the decision is understandable, given the party’s situation.
The Prachachart Party leader, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, said the information to be presented at the censure debate won’t disappoint the general public, and there will be no duplicate topics. The party is now selecting its speakers.
The House Speaker said he will forward the motion to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives for verification within seven days. After it has been verified, the government and the opposition will meet to set the dates.
