More than 30 senators want to participate in a no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's government, which is tentatively scheduled before the end of the month.
A group led by Senator Seri Suwanpanont initiated a motion, supported by 98 of his peers, to request a censure debate on seven key issues, following Section 153 of the Constitution. There will be no vote after the debate. Senators will speak for about 12 hours, and the government will have three hours for rebuttals.
Ten senators will focus on economic and cost of living issues, grilling ministers responsible for economic affairs. The controversial “digital wallet” scheme and the land bridge mega project will also be discussed during the debate.
The debate will address double standards in the justice process and law enforcement, potentially mentioning the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Agriculture Ministry’s plan to upgrade Sor Por Kor land certificates into transferrable title deeds.
The other issues for debate include educational and social problems, constitutional amendments, energy problems, foreign affairs, tourism, and national reforms.
Meanwhile, opposition parties plan to submit a motion to the House Speaker on Wednesday, seeking a separate censure debate against the government under Section 152 of the Constitution.
Opposition chief whip, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, stated that the debate will aim to question the government about the policies outlined in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s statement to parliament, which have not been implemented despite over 6 months in office.
He mentioned that the policies, such as the digital wallet scheme and “soft power,” have remained mostly on paper without any substantial action. Constitutional amendments, once a prominent issue during the election, have now taken a back seat.
He also noted that the debate is intended to urge the government to address issues and policies that have been neglected so far.