BANGKOK, Thailand – Sirikanya Tansukul, a member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, confirmed that the opposition will not remove former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s name from the no-confidence motion. She emphasized that the opposition has the constitutional right to propose such a motion and that the House does not have the authority to intervene in its content unless there is a legal flaw or incorrect wording.
Sirikanya responded to the Speaker’s request to remove Thaksin’s name, explaining that it was unnecessary since the Constitution allows the opposition to present such motions. She further clarified that although the Speaker had cited a regulation on external parties not being able to defend themselves during debates, it did not mandate removing names from the motion.
She acknowledged that the move could lead to third-party lawsuits but asserted that this was a normal legal process if someone felt their reputation was harmed. The opposition, she pointed out, was not accusing Thaksin but addressing the context of Prime Ministerial actions influenced by external factors, including Thaksin’s role.
Sirikanya also confirmed that the opposition would send a letter back to the Speaker reaffirming their stance and that they are not altering the motion. She remarked that if the government MPs had concerns about mentioning Thaksin, they were welcome to raise protests during the session.
When questioned about the potential protests from government lawmakers, Sirikanya expressed confidence, stating that the opposition was prepared to handle such situations, even if it meant speaking outside the chamber if necessary.
